10-15 years old children living in Malta are at higher risk for developing allergic respiratory diseases than those living in Southern Sicily

Abstract

Aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of living in highly polluted areas in Malta and in Sicily on reported allergic respiratory diseases in children. Malta has a very high population density while the petrochemical industry located close to Gela is one of the main sources of industrial air pollution in Sicily. In the context of RESPIRA Project, we evaluated 2,047 schoolchildren (972 M), aged 10-15 yrs, selected from 12 junior high schools of Southern Sicily (n=1,189 evaluated subjects) and 6 of Malta (n=858). Children′s parents fulfilled an ISAAC respiratory questionnaire. Rhinitis in the last 12 months was reported by 6.6% in Italy and 7.9% in Malta (p=.05); wheeze in the last 12 months (W12m) by 7.4% in Italy and 12.7% in Malta (p<.0001); doctor diagnosed asthma (DDA) by 7.9% in Italy and 18.1% in Malta (p<.0001). Current asthma (CA), defined as DDA + W12m, was reported by 3.0% in Italy and 7.8.% in Malta (p<.0001). Use of drugs for asthma in the last 12 months was reported by 4.9% in Italy and 12.1% in Malta (p<.0001). In a logistic model, when correcting for asthmatic bronchitis in the first two years of life, parental atopy, early and current passive smoke exposure, mould/dampness at home, personal history for rhinitis, socioeconomic status and presence of pets at home, children living in Malta showed a higher risk factor for CA with respect to those living in Southern Sicily (OR 2.48, IC 1.32-4.70, p=.005). In conclusion, children living in Malta are at higher risk for developing allergic respiratory diseases with respect to those living in Southern Sicily.