Risk factors in asthmatic patients in Croatia.

The aim of this case-control study was to investigate whether some factors, that are associated with development of asthma, are significantly more present in the observed group of asthmatic patients, in comparison to the control group. Participants included 111 cases with asthma, and 108 controls with no asthma. Data obtained from cases and controls were compared according the sex. The study was performed using a specially developed questionnaire and data were collected from medical documentation of cases. Results showed that a significantly high proportion of cases had lower socio-economic status, higher proportion of atopic diseases, and were more exposed to dampness in working environment, and passive smoking, both at home and at work. Cases also exhibited poorer sustainment of physical strains and psychological stresses, and considered their life quality was greatly reduced by asthma. Among asthmatic participants, there were fewer current smokers and non-smokers, and more ex-smokers.