Data Analytical Approach for Regional Variation of Incidence Rates for Asthma and Other Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases in Oman

Abstract Background This study aimed to examine regional differences for asthma and other chronic obstructive lung diseases. Information pertaining influence of region on asthma is not well established. Method The study was based on data collected from annual reports produced by the Ministry of Health over a ten-year period beginning from 2010 to 2019. Incidence rates per 10000 populations for the eleven regions in the Sultanate of Oman were analyzed using statistical tools including; analysis of variance and binary logistic regression model to determine the effect of region on asthma and other chronic obstructive lung diseases. Results The incident rates were found to be significantly different by region (F-value=27.07, p=0.00). There was no significant variation by year (F-value=1.05, p>0.407). Overall over the ten-year period the incidence rates stagnated between 250 and 300 per 10000 of the population, but showed a reducing trend between 2016 and 2019. The logistic regression model shows that compared to the Muscat region, all the other regions had significant increased odd ratios. Conclusion There is a significant evidence of regional variation in the incidence of asthma and other chronic obstructive lung diseases. This implies probable characteristics in geographical regions that are associated with asthma and other chronic obstructive lung diseases’ exacerbation. Five asthma-region classifications were identified from our analysis. Findings of this study may be used to guide decision making towards the management and control of asthma and chronic obstructive lung diseases.