Association between child care center characteristics with respiratory health and allergies among young children in the tropics

Abstract

This study explored the associations of child care center characteristics with asthma, allergies and respiratory symptoms of attending children in Singapore. Parents of children with current wheeze, rhinitis and respiratory symptoms are more likely to avoid CCCs that are air-conditioned and near traffic. Associations between asthma, allergic and respiratory symptoms with traffic densities, geographic location and outdoor pollution are no consistent and significant. Similarly, there were no significant associations between symptoms and CCC dampness/mold exposure, although, there are evidence of a dose-response relationship with exposure severity with symptoms. Although not significant, dose-response relationship with CCC floor area to children density quartiles and rhinitis symptoms was observed. The associations of fourth quartile density were significantly higher for phlegm and cough attack symptoms with the remaining respiratory symptoms approaching significance. Children attending CCCs with more than 10 rooms were significantly associated with higher prevalence of phlegm symptoms. Wooden panel and particle boards were associated with higher risk of severe phlegm and LRI respectively while recent painting was significantly associated with higher risk of severe cough. We were not able to find any consistent association between health symptoms children with the frequencies of cleaning of various CCC variables.