Table 3

Host characteristics of children studied

RuralUrban
Family history3-150 n = 405n = 508
Asthma symptoms n (%)44 (10.9)132 (26.0)3-151
Allergy n (%)45 (11.1)153 (30.1)3-151
Early life characteristicsn = 462n = 553
Birth weight (kg)
 Mean (SD) 3.18 (0.56)  3.42 (0.66)3-151
 Range 1.6–5.0  1.0–6.0
Prematurity n (%) 5 (1.1) 25 (4.5)3-151
Breast fed for less than 6 months n (%)22 (4.8) 68 (12.3)3-151
Personal history of:n = 461n = 557
 Asthma symptoms n (%)13 (2.8) 53 (9.5)3-151
 Allergy n (%)19 (4.1) 97 (17.4)3-151
 Eczema n (%)17 (3.7) 38 (6.8)3-151
 Allergic rhinitis n (%) 7 (1.5) 54 (9.7)3-151

  • ↵3-150 Family history of asthma symptoms was based on yes answers to the questions as to whether the child’s natural father, mother or siblings had ever had wheezing or whistling in the chest with shortness of breath, asthma, or allergy.

  • ↵3-151 Significant urban-rural differences (p<0.05).