Childhood asthma is a growing public health concern, particularly in urban slum settings where environmental exposures and socioeconomic deprivation are prevalent. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of asthma and its determinants among 500 children aged 5–14 years living in urban slums. Data on household socioeconomic status, indoor air pollution, and exposure to tobacco smoke were collected using structured questionnaires. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 14%, with significant associations found with indoor air pollution (OR=2.6, 95% CI:1.7–3.9) and low socioeconomic status (OR=1.9, 95% CI:1.2–3.0). The study underscores the need for interventions targeting environmental and social determinants to reduce childhood asthma in marginalized urban populations.

Keywords:
Childhood Asthma, Urban Health, Environmental Exposure, Socioeconomic Determinants, Public Health