Asthma hospitalization in Vietnamese children: Prevalence and determinants from a pediatric clinic-based study
Keywords:
asthma, hospitalization, factors, pediatrics, VietnamAbstract
Background and aim: Asthma is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity, with hospitalizations reflecting poor disease control and healthcare burden. Evidence on asthma-related hospital admissions among Vietnamese children remains limited. This study aimed to determine their prevalence and identify associated factors using recent clinical data from a large pediatric cohort.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 4–16 years with asthma who attended one of the largest pediatric asthma clinics in southern Vietnam. This secondary analysis included 339 children and their caregivers managed at the center between May 2024 and May 2025. Data were analyzed using R version 4.5.1. Factors associated with hospitalization were identified using LASSO selection and multivariable logistic regression, with adjusted Generalized Variance Inflation Factors (GVIFs) used to assess multicollinearity.
Results: Among 339 children (mean age 7.3±2.7 years; 56.0% male), 37.5% experienced at least one hospitalization for asthma exacerbation. In multivariable analysis, uncontrolled asthma (aOR=2.33; 95% CI: 1.42–3.82; P<0.001), longer disease duration (>5 years: aOR=3.21; 95% CI: 1.28–8.10; P=0.013), and preterm birth (aOR=2.53; 95% CI: 1.10–5.83; P=0.029) were significantly associated with hospitalization. Exposure to pet dander was also associated with higher odds of hospitalization (aOR=2.12; 95% CI: 1.05–4.29; P=0.037), whereas having a caregiver who was a housewife was associated with lower odds (aOR=0.46; 95% CI: 0.22–0.98; P=0.044). The final model demonstrated good fit without evidence of multicollinearity.
Conclusions: Asthma-related hospitalization among Vietnamese children remains high. Strengthening asthma control and targeted interventions for high-risk groups may help reduce preventable hospital admissions.
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