Sudan, Africa

ISAAC in Sudan

The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) in Sudan was the first collaboration work between Dr Asma Elsony (Epi-Lab) and Pro Omer Musa (Ribat uinveristy). The preparation for ISAAC study started in 2002; the questionnaire was translated to Arabic by professional translator and checked, over 3000 copy were printed and Khartoum (the capital) was chosen as a research site.

The data collection took place between February-September 2003, number of student included in the in the study was 3000, their age was 13 to 14 and they were included from 55 school. Data was entered, and analyzed by Epi info 6. The collaboration between the Epi-Lab and Ribat university made it possible to carry the activities; the data was collected through the Ribat university and the data entry and analysis was done in the Epi-Lab; we have to mention here that when the data was submitted to the regional coordinator and analyzed it showed that Sudan had the highest percentage of heavy truck passing near the houses. This percentage appeared higher than expected, therefore we checked the questionnaire and we found that heavy truck was translated mistakenly in Arabic to a car. Consequently that question was eliminated from the analysis.

The most especial about the ISAAC in Sudan is that the partnership established between the Epi-Lab and Ribat University in 2002 continued up to date. The Epi-Lab and Ribat university together conducted 7 studies. Two of these studies used the same questionnaire and investigated asthma and allergies in children in rural areas (Atbra and Algadarif). The prevalence of asthma in rural areas is around 5% , a percentage much lower than that in Khartoum state (12.5%), the studies are not published. ISAAC questionnaire was later modified to study the prevalence of asthma in adult communities (five universities students in five sates) and consequently several papers were published in the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.