Association between wheezing and dietary patterns among 5- to 6-year-old preschool children in Tshwane, South Africa
Mandla Bhuda, Janine Wichmann, Joyce ShirindeBackground
Dietary patterns influence inflammation and immune responses, playing a critical role in childhood asthma. Wheezing is a common respiratory symptom, with approximately half of all children experiencing at least one episode during early childhood.
Aim
To investigate associations between dietary patterns and wheezing among 5- to 6-year-old preschool children in Tshwane, South Africa.
Methods
An observational cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2022 and March 2023. A total of 630 children from 40 randomly selected preschools participated. Parents completed a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase III questionnaire. Univariable and multiple logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between dietary intake and wheezing. Most participants were from Soshanguve (50.3%), with a median age of 5 years. Ever wheeze and current wheeze were reported in 12.4% and 9.8% of children, respectively. Consumption of meat (≥3 times/week), seafood (1–2 times/week) and vegetables (≥3 times/week) was associated with lower odds of ever wheezing (meat: AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10–0.75; seafood: AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.13–0.46; vegetables: AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11–0.93), while no clear associations were observed for current wheeze.
Summary
Higher consumption of meat, seafood and vegetables was linked to lower odds of ever wheezing in Tshwane preschool children. Promoting nutrient-rich dietary patterns may help prevent early-life respiratory symptoms in underserved communities.