A data analytic model to determine regional variation of asthma incidence and other chronic obstructive lung diseases in Oman

This study examines how asthma and other chronic obstructive lung diseases vary in different regions. Information pertaining influence of region as a proxy for the environment on asthma is not well established, yet important for healthcare, travel, and migration decisions. The study was based on data collected from the Oman Ministry of Health's annual reports from 2010 to 2019. Incidence rates for eleven regions in the Sultanate of Oman were analyzed using statistical tools, including; analysis of variance and the logistic regression model to determine the effect of region on asthma and other chronic obstructive lung diseases. Overall, the incident rates differed significantly by region, implying a potential environmental difference. There was no significant variation by year. Over the ten years, the incidence rates stagnated between 250 and 300 per 10000 of the population but showed a decreasing trend between 2016 and 2019. The regression model shows that all other regions had significantly increased odd ratios compared to the Muscat region. In addition, five asthma-region classifications were identified from our analysis. Therefore, there is significant evidence of regional variation in the incidence of asthma and other chronic obstructive lung diseases. This confirmation of regional differences could imply differences in environmental characteristics. This study's findings may guide decision-making toward managing asthma and chronic obstructive lung diseases.