Household fuel use and child respiratory ill health in two towns in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Background: This cross-sectional study examined respiratory health outcomes and associated risk factors in children living in a part of South Africa characterised by high levels of air pollution.

Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect self-reported respiratory health and risk factor data from the parents/guardians of children between the ages of 9 and 11 years attending primary schools in the study area. Six government schools were selected based on their location, class size and willingness to participate.

Household conditions, eczema symptoms and rhinitis symptoms: relationship with wheeze and severe wheeze in children living in the Polokwane area, South Africa.

Background: This is the fifth study that applied the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) methodology in the Southern African Development Community (SADC region). However, it is the first ISAAC study that focused on 6- to 7-year-old children living in South Africa and that also investigated the association between potential risk factors and asthma symptoms. Objective To assess the 12-month prevalence of wheeze and severe wheeze along with their potential risk factors.

Household conditions, eczema symptoms and rhinitis symptoms: relationship with wheeze and severe wheeze in adolescents living in the Polokwane area, South Africa.

Objective: Determine the prevalence and risk factors of wheeze and severe wheeze in 13-to 14-year-old children.

Methods: The study was conducted August 2004 to February 2005 in the Polokwane area, South Africa.

Results: The 12-month prevalence rate was 18.

Association between children's household living conditions and eczema in the Polokwane area, South Africa.

The aim of the study was to determine the 12-month prevalence of eczema symptoms (ES), the prevalence of ever having had eczema (EE), and potential risk factors among 6-7-year-old children within a 60km radius of Polokwane city centre, Limpopo Province, South Africa. This study applied the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III protocol. It was conducted during August 2004 (winter) and February 2005 (summer).

Air pollution epidemiologic studies in South Africa--need for freshening up.

The results of epidemiologic studies obtained in developed countries cannot be extrapolated with complete confidence to developing countries. The objectives of this review were to examine the evidence from local studies for associations between air pollution and adverse health along with a critical review for methodologic limitations. The literature search strategy and selection criteria involved a MEDLINE search up to June 2005.