Prevalence and determinants of asthma in adults in Kinshasa

Background Epidemiological data on asthma among adults in sub-Saharan Africa are sparse. Objective To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with asthma among adults in Kinshasa. Methods A previously validated asthma questionnaire was administered to an adult population aged >= 18 years in urban and peri-urban suburbs of Kinshasa. A random stratified multi-stage sampling plan was used to select the study participants. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with asthma. Results The mean age of respondents was 36.7 (SD 15.36) years, 75% lived in an urban environment, and 57% were women. The prevalence of asthma-ever was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.4-8.4). Among asthmatic patients, intermittent asthma was estimated at 75.7% and severe asthma at 9.3%. Family atopy (OR: 3.97; 95% CI: 2.42-6.50; p<0.001), and the presence of a cat in the house (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.01-3.28; p = 0.045) were associated with self-reported asthma. Conclusion Asthma is relatively frequent in adults in Kinshasa, a prevalence similar to those reported elsewhere in Africa. Family atopy and the presence of a cat in the house could be the most common determinants to be confirmed with national survey in order to design guidelines for the control of asthma.