SWIMMING POOL ATTENDANCE AND RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AT 1 YEAR: RESULTS FROM THE INMA BIRTH COHORT IN SPAIN

Background and Aims: Infant swimming pool attendance has been associated with increased respiratory diseases, but results are inconsistent. The aim was to assess the relationship between swimming pool attendance and several respiratory, atopic symptoms and infections during the first year of life. Methods: Four birth cohorts from different regions in Spain taking part of the INMA project were used. Data was collected by standard questionnaire at 12-14 months of age on frequency of swimming (indoor and outdoor swimming pools in winter and summer) and having had the following symptoms: bronchiolitis, bronchitis, low respiratory track infection (LRTI), cough, wheezing, atopic eczema, otitis. Birth season, small for gestational age, breastfeeding, day care attendance, maternal age, education, social class and atopy were considered as potential confounders. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (OR 95%CI) were calculated by logistic regression. Results: 2,644 children were included (855 from Valencia, 494 fr...