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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the association of body fatness and sedentary status with asthma and respiratory symptoms in schoolchildren in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A questionnaire study elicited episodes of respiratory symptoms and data on lifestyle and anthropometric parameters in 1329 5th grade schoolchildren. Results showed that 12.4% of boys and 9.5% of girls had physician-diagnosed asthma, whereas 15.1% of boys and 12.4% of girls had suspected asthma. Significantly greater proportions of boys had non-exercise-induced respiratory symptoms than girls (p < 0.05). The number of respiratory symptoms was positively correlated with TV-watching time per day and self-reported sedentary time per weekend-day in girls (p < 0.05). Underweight was positively associated with one of the seven respiratory symptoms in girls (p < 0.05). At risk of overweight was positively associated with two of the seven respiratory symptoms in boys and one of the seven respiratory symptoms in girls (all p < 0.05). The risk of having physician-diagnosed asthma and suspected asthma increased 93% and 72%, respectively, in schoolchildren at risk of overweight (p < 0.05). Overweight was associated with a 78% increase in physician-diagnosed asthma (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.08–2.91, p < 0.05). Higher sedentary time was significantly associated with more occurrences of one of the seven respiratory symptoms in girls (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.00–1.11, p < 0.05). Higher body mass index (BMI) was significantly correlated with longer TV-watching time per day in girls and longer self-reported sedentary time per weekday in boys (p < 0.05). In summary, schoolchildren who are at risk of overweight or overweight and/or have more sedentary time have increased risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma. Weight and sedentary statuses of schoolchildren can affect their respiratory health.