The overall prevalence of childhood asthma as reported by parents was 6.7%. Prevalence of asthma in those between 6-7 years of age was 7.0% and 6.3% in those between 13-14 year of age. Overall, boys had a higher prevalence as compared to girls (8.1% versus 4.9%, resp.). Prevalence of asthma amongst children studying in public schools was 5.8%, and in those studying in private schools was 7.3%
The overall prevalence of ever experiencing wheeze was 9.5%, wheeze in the past 12 months was 5.4%, ever having asthma was 5.6%, chest sounded wheezy after exercise was 9.5%, and dry cough at night was 15.9%. The most common asthma symptom was therefore dry cough at night. Out of the total prevalence of 6.7%, only 5.6% children answered “yes” to the question “has your child ever had asthma?”