A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Severity of Bronchial Asthma among School-Going Children Aged 13 -17 Years in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is a common chronic respiratory disorder among children and adolescents, characterised by airway inflammation, wheezing, and breathlessness. Urbanisation, environmental pollution, and genetic factors contribute to the increasing prevalence of this condition. Limited recent data exist on asthma prevalence and severity among adolescents in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of bronchial asthma among school-going children aged 13–17 years in Lucknow and to evaluate associated demographic and familial risk factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months (May 2024–December 2025) in selected schools in Lucknow Uttar Pradesh. A total of 425 adolescents were enrolled using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Asthma severity was classified according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.