BACKGROUND:

This study determined annual prevalence and incidence trends of asthma among children in Taiwan from 2002 to 2008. Risk factors and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use were examined.

METHODS:

A random sample was selected for a population-based study with a selection probability of 0.5 from all 3-18 years insurants. The annual prevalence and incidence of asthma were estimated according to age, sex, insurance premium and degree of urbanization.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of asthma increased from 12.99% in 2002 to 16.86% in 2008. The increase was greatest in 2008, among boys, 11-15 years, ≥medium insurance premium, and high- and medium-density urban area. TCM use in asthma-prevalent children decreased from 1.16% in 2002 to 0.59% in 2008. The incidence fluctuated, ranging from 1.01% in 2002 to 1.49% in 2005. The highest was in 2005, among boys, 3-5 years, ≥medium insurance premium and high-density urban area. TCM use in asthma-incident children decreased from 3.59% in 2002 to 1.69% in 2008.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrated a substantial increase in annual prevalence of asthma among children in Taiwan from 2002 to 2008. The incidence fluctuated. The TCM use showed a decreasing linear trend and was higher in incident than in prevalent cases.