Background: Asthma significantly impacts pediatric populations, with its prevalence influenced by diverse environmental and socio-economic factors. Understanding how urbanization affects asthma incidence is crucial for developing effective public health strategies. Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of asthma among children in urban versus rural areas and examine the role of environmental and socio-economic elements in these disparities. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 240 children (120 urban and 120 rural) were evaluated to determine the prevalence of asthma. Data were collected via health record reviews and detailed questionnaires on environmental exposure and socio-economic conditions. Statistical analysis involved chi-square tests for categorical variables and logistic regression to explore associations between asthma prevalence and potential risk factors. Results: Asthma prevalence was higher in urban areas (32.5%) compared to rural areas (20.3%), with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.013). Urban environments, characterized by high air pollution, were associated with a higher risk of asthma (Odds Ratio = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-2.9, P-value = 0.001). Conversely, higher household income in rural settings correlated with a reduced asthma prevalence (Odds Ratio = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, P-value = 0.020). Conclusion: The findings indicate that urban children are at a greater risk for developing asthma, likely due to increased exposure to pollutants. The protective effect of higher income in rural areas suggests that socio-economic factors also significantly influence asthma prevalence. These insights highlight the necessity for tailored interventions focusing on both environmental mitigation and socio-economic support to manage and prevent asthma.

Pediatric Asthma, Urban-Rural Disparities, Environmental Impact