Prevalence and risk factors of asthma among the population of Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Asthma is a major health concern—especially in Saudi Arabia. Despite the data available, it is hard to pin down a consistent estimate that reflects the current situation. This review aimed to determine the prevalence of asthma in Saudi Arabia and identify the related risk factors. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025643181). Primary outcomes were asthma prevalence among children and adults; secondary outcomes include risk factors, rhinitis, and eczema prevalence rates. PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception until December 2024. Two reviewers worked independently to go through the studies, extract data, and assess quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Depending on the heterogeneity, either fixed or random-effects models were used in STATA 17.0. Thirty-seven studies with 91,114 participants were included. The overall asthma prevalence was 17%, higher in children (19%) than in adults (14%), with regional variations. Gender analysis showed equal prevalence (17%) in males and females. Risk factors included family history (44%), passive smoking (38%), pet ownership (32%), and active smoking (24%). Eczema and rhinitis prevalence were 14% and 23%, respectively. Eczema (15%) and rhinitis (25%) were higher in adults compared to children. Asthma is a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with higher prevalence in children. Modifiable…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 91,114 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tobacco and COPD: presenting the World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Knowledge Summary
- Comparative effects of e-cigarette smoking on periodontal status, salivary pH, and cotinine levels
- Association between exposure to environmental pollutants and increased oral health risks, a comprehensive review
- Influence of gestational window on offspring vascular health in rodents with in utero exposure to electronic cigarettes
- Natural products as kinase inhibitors in lung cancer: molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and clinical trials
- Nicotine in electronic cigarettes
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.