Prevalence of psychiatric disorders and associated clinical and environmental factors in children and adolescents with asthma: A cross-sectional parent survey

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychiatrist-diagnosed psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with asthma and to identify associated demographic, perinatal, household environmental, and clinical predictors. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among parents of 235 children aged 6–18 years with physician-diagnosed asthma. Data were gathered through a structured online questionnaire designed by the investigators; all information regarding asthma and psychiatric illness was parent-reported (predominantly by mothers). Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, and independent predictors of having at least one psychiatric disorder were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression. The mean age of the children was 8.39 ± 2.69 years, and 47.2% were female. At least one psychiatric disorder was reported in 10.6% (n=25), with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) being the most common (8.5%). In univariate analyses, psychiatric disorders were significantly associated with household tobacco smoke exposure (p=0.003), home mold or dampness (p<0.001), higher need for nebulized or inhaled therapy (p=0.049), and worse parent-reported quality of life (p=0.017). Vaginal delivery was also associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders (18.2% vs. 7.0%; p=0.009). In multivariable analysis, household mold or dampness (OR=2.59) and vaginal delivery (OR=2.54) were the independent predictors. Psychiatric disorders are relatively prevalent in children and adolescents with asthma and appear related to modifiable home environmental exposures and markers of clinical disease burden. Routine mental health screening during asthma follow-up may facilitate more holistic care.