Aims of ISAAC

ISAAC, the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, was formed in 1991 to facilitate research into asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema by promoting a standardised methodology able to be used in diverse locations around the world. From an early stage, it was conceived as comprising three phases:
The aims of ISAAC Phase One were:

1. To describe the prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in children living in different centres and to make comparisons within and between countries;
2. To obtain baseline measures for assessment of future trends in the prevalence and severity of these diseases; and
3. To provide a framework for further aetiological research into lifestyle, environmental, genetic and medical care factors affecting these diseases.

The aims of ISAAC Phase Two were:

1. To describe the prevalence of 'objective' markers of asthma and allergies in children living in different centres, and to make comparisons within and between centres.
2. To assess the relation between the prevalence of 'objective' markers of asthma and allergies and the prevalence of symptoms of these conditions in children living in different centres.
3. To estimate to what extent the variation in the prevalence and severity of asthma and allergies in children between centres can be explained by differences in known or suspected risk factors or by differences in disease management.
4. To explore new aetiological hypotheses regarding the development of asthma and allergies in children.

The aims of ISAAC Phase Three were:

1. To examine time trends in the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema in centres and countries which participated in ISAAC Phase One.
2. To describe the prevalence and severity of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema in centres and countries which did not participate in Phase One.
3. To examine hypotheses at an individual level which have been suggested by the findings of Phase One, subsequent ecological analyses and recent advances in knowledge.

Subsequently, ISAAC Phase Four was conceived as the development and expansion of the scope of website resources for ISAAC collaborators, especially those in low and middle income countries. It included the addition of management plans and other resources that are useful for managing asthma, eczema, and rhinitis.