Prevalence of asthma symptoms among adolescents in the Wellington region, by area and ethnicity.

Abstract

AIMS. To compare the self-reported prevalence of asthma symptoms, among 12 to 15 year olds in three districts in the greater Wellington region, and to compare prevalence among three ethnic groups--Maori, Pacific Island and others. METHODS. Third form students from 13 secondary schools in the Wellington region, were surveyed using a video questionnaire and a standardised written questionnaire, during July 1991. RESULTS. Using the video questionnaire, the prevalence of wheeze during the previous 12 months was similar in Wellington city (32%), Lower Hutt (38%), and Porirua (37%); the corresponding findings using the written questionnaire were 28%, 27% and 30% respectively. The reported prevalen..