Table 2 Baseline environmental and behavioural characteristics of the study participants
From: Environmental intervention for house dust mite control in childhood bronchial asthma
Variablea | Group A (n = 40) | Group B (n = 40) | Group C (n = 40) | Group D (n = 40) | p value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mean age of residence building in years (SD) | 8.75 (6.70) | 8.75 (7.86) | 5.85 (1.72) | 5.35 (2.27) | 0 |
Presence of pets | 18 (45%) | 15 (37.5%) | 20 (50%) | 19 (47.5%) | 0.71 |
Passive smokingb | 12 (30%) | 18 (45%) | 19 (47.5%) | 12 (30%) | 0.21 |
Playing with furry toys | 17 (42.5%) | 10 (25%) | 15 (37.5%) | 10 (25%) | 0.06 |
Mean temperature, °C (SD) | 20.35 (2.32) | 19.95 (3.22) | 19.2 (2.85) | 19.55 (2.74) | 0.29 |
Mean humidity percentage (SD) | 74.20 (9.26) | 77 (10.91) | 76.5 (11.51) | 75.15 (11.80) | 0.65 |
Adequate natural ventilation | 24 (60%) | 16 (40%) | 19 (47.5%) | 10 (25%) | 0.07 |
Presence of fans | 2 (5%) | 4 (10%) | 6 (15%) | 0 (0%) | 0.59 |
Carpets or rugs | 32 (80%) | 28 (70%) | 32 (80%) | 36 (90%) | 0.57 |
Mean age of pillows and mattresses, years (SD) | 3.23 (2.83) | 3.39 (2.07) | 4.3 (2.38) | 3.7 (2.12) | 0.18 |
Complete covering of beddings | 12 (30%) | 18 (45%) | 12 (30%) | 18 (45%) | 0.28 |
Frequent use of nylon cover | 12 (30%) | 13 (32.5%) | 10 (25%) | 10 (25%) | 0.84 |
Use of impermeable cover | 6 (15%) | 4 (10%) | 4 (10%) | 2 (7.5%) | 0.16 |
At least weekly sun exposure of beddings | 14 (35%) | 16 (40%) | 13 (32.5%) | 15 (37.5%) | 0.91 |
Mean Der p1 concentration, μg g−1 (SD) | 7.32 (0.72) | 6.5 (0.81) | 6.64 (0.84) | 6.44 (0.78) | 0.34 |