Results: After adjustment for disease severity and gender medical visits were related to younger age (p=0.009), family
history of respiratory diseases (p=0.08) and rural residence (p=0.09), any diagnostic tests to younger age (p=0.08), smaller
number of siblings (p=0.01) and rural residence (p=0.004); spirometry to smaller number of siblings (p=0.09) and rural
residence (p=0.006).
Conclusion: Clinical status and age are important determinants of utilization of medical services by asthmatic children.
The effects of rural residence and family size may reflect a more attentive response to the needs of a sick child.