Asthma control and academic performance of school-aged children with asthma

Abstract

Background: A number of factors are thought to influence the academic performance of children with asthma (Subjects) and asthma control is one. Reports on the influence/impact of asthma control on the academic performance of children with asthma are limited and the independent contribution of asthma status, if any, to academic performance of children with asthma has been poorly explored.

Aims: To determine the influence of asthma control on the academic performance of children with asthma in Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods: Children with Asthma (Subjects) aged 5–11 years were recruited consecutively at the weekly asthma clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, Nigeria. Level of asthma control was ascertained using the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) tool. The IQ of the subjects was calculated using the validated Zi ler criteria and the table of Draw –A-person Quotient (DAPQ) by Ebigbo and Izuora. The total number of days of school absence for the academic session was obtained from the class attendance register. Academic performance was assessed using the average of the overall scores in the three term examinations of the academic session.

Result: The prevalence of high school absence among subjects with poor asthma control was higher compared to those with good asthma control and this difference was statistically significant (χ₂ = 14.67; d.f = 1; p < 0.001). The difference between the median (range) overall academic score of children with poor asthma control (79.96% (36.00% - 93.57%)) and that of those with good control (78.11% (37% - 99.57%)) was not statistically significant (U= 1235, p = 0.486). However on multivariate analysis, good asthma control had a significant positive effect on academic performance (β = 1.080, p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Asthma control had a significant positive effect on academic performance of school children with asthma.