Background

Asthma is associated with low socioeconomic status among both children and adults, and adolescents with asthma report more school absenteeism than those without. However, it is unclear whether asthma in childhood and adolescence affects socioeconomic status in adulthood.

Methods

Within the Obstructive Lung disease In Northern Sweden Studies, all children in grade 1 and 2 in three municipalities were invited to a questionnaire survey, 97% participated (n=3430). They were followed annually until age 19, and thereafter at age 28 years. In this study, participants at ages 8y, 12y, 19y and 28y (n=2017) were included. Asthma was categorized into childhood onset (up to age 12y) and adolescent onset (from 12 to 19y). Data for assessment of socioeconomic status was collected at 28y and included educational level, occupation, and occupational exposure to gas, dust and/or fumes (GDF).

Results

Childhood onset asthma was associated with having compulsory school as the highest educational level at age 28y, also after adjustment for sex, smoking and BMI at age 19y and socioeconomic factors in childhood (OR 4.84 95%CI 2.01-11.65), and the pattern was the same among men and women. However, we found no significant associations between asthma in childhood or adolescence and socioeconomic groups, occupational groups or occupational exposure to GDF at age 28y.

Conclusions

Even though asthma in high-income countries, such as Sweden, is well recognised and treated, this study highlight that childhood onset asthma may have a negative long-term effect with regard to educational level in young adulthood.