Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry

Determination of frequency, severity and temporal trends of skin and respiratory symptoms in childhood and adolescence as part of Phase III of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) in Münster

Project leader Stephan Weiland †, Ulrich Keil
Co-operation

Ulrich Keil, Institute for Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster
Project funding

Ministry for Women, Youth, Family and Health of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia; own funds
Duration Completed
Department tasks Option for analyses
Employees N.N.

This is a multiple cross-sectional study to determine the frequency, severity and temporal trends of asthma,
allergic rhinitis and neurodermatitis in children and adolescents in Münster.
Using validated questionnaires, over 4,100 adolescents aged 13-14 years and
over 4,600 parents of first and second graders were surveyed at randomly selected schools in Münster. As part of the study in Münster, specific aetiological questions such as
e.g. the connection between asthma and allergies and any indoor exposure to allergens as well as the respective eating habits. The current Phase III of the project is a methodologically identical
repetition of the ISAAC Phase I conducted in 1994 / 1995 (principle of multiple cross-sectional studies). This makes it possible to determine temporal trends in the frequency and severity of asthma and allergies at population level. ISAAC Münster is a component of the
worldwide ISAAC study.