Association of social determinants of health and asthma control among children aged 5-18 years old in Metro Manila, Philippines
Description
Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease among the pediatric population in low-income to middle-income countries. The Philippines is an example of a low-middle income country wherein social determinants of health play a significant role in asthma control. The study aims to determine if there is a significant relationship between social determinants of health and asthma control among known asthmatic children aged 5-18 years old in Metro Manila. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Metro Manila, Philippines from June to August 2025. Convenience sampling was done to gather data from caregivers of asthmatic children. Information on demographics, social determinants, and asthma control were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Associations with asthma control were analyzed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney, t-tests, and logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Higher caregiver education, caregiver employment, household income, annual health expenditure, and health insurance were significantly associated with better asthma control (ORs ranging from 0.22–2.21, p < 0.05). Children exposed to second-hand smoke were more than twice as likely to have activity limitations (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.19–5.28). This study provides evidence that children from a higher socioeconomic status achieved higher levels of asthma control and are associated with fewer ER visits and hospitalizations.
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Institutions
- The Medical City OrtigasNational Capital Region, Pasig