Factors associated with asthma symptoms in schoolchildren from Greece: the Physical Activity, Nutrition and Allergies in Children Examined in Athens (PANACEA) study.

To evaluate whether dietary habits and anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics are associated with the prevalence of asthma symptoms, a sample of 700 Greek schoolchildren were evaluated through a standardized questionnaire. Body height and weight were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Multiple logistic regression and multivariate techniques (principal components analysis) were performed. Overall lifetime prevalence for asthma symptoms was found to be 23.7%. Increased body weight, sedentary lifestyle, and consumption of sulphur-dioxide-enriched foods and beverages seem to promote asthma symptoms, while avoidance of this chemical preservative and physical activity was associated with reduced odds of reporting asthma symptoms.