Abstract:

Objective To clarify the prevalence of chronic cough in children and related influencing factors in Shandong province. Methods A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of people aged 0-14 years in various cities in Shandong Province, which was completed and submitted by the participants on mobile phones or computer terminals. Results A total of 10186 children were surveyed, including 5480 boys and 4706 girls, with the questionnaire completed by parents. Among them, 829 children (8.1%) had a previous history of chronic cough, of which 697(84.1%) had a cough lasting an average of 4-8 weeks. Parents identified the presence of allergic diseases as the dominant factor for chronic cough in children (83.4%). Associated respiratory disease factors included upper respiratory tract infections (90.8%), trachea-bronchitis (87.5%), bronchopneumonia (70.5%) and bronchial asthma (62.9%). The influence of climate change in the surrounding environment was most evident (91.6%). 608 children (73.3%) sought medical attention within one week of coughing. Routine blood tests and chest radiographs were performed in 89.1% and 56.3% of the children respectively during the consultation. Parents were generally more receptive to Chinese herbal medicine in their choice of treatment, with 647 cases (78.0%) receiving Chinese medicine or a combination of Chinese and Western medicine, and only 173 cases (20.9%) receiving mainly Western medicine. Antibiotics and hormones were mostly used in accordance with medical advice, with 661 and 622 cases respectively, and 89.6% of parents accepting hormone therapy. The proportion of severe psychological impact on children and parents was 22.2% and 67.3%, respectively. Conclusions The prevalence of chronic cough in Shandong province is high, with diverse influencing factors, and auxiliary examination needs to be further popularized. Chronic cough has varying degrees of psychological impact on both children and their families.

Key words: chronic cough, prevalence, influence factor, child