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International prevalence of ever asthma and current wheeze in adults were examined in 55 countries participating in the World Health Survey. The prevalence of ever asthma ranged from 1.1-7.9% in Asia, 2.4-7.6% in Africa, 3.4-7.9% in Middle East, 2.4-12.1% in America, 3.9-6.8% in Eastern Europe, 4.2-17.1% in Western Europe, and 18.5% in Australia. Anxiety and ever depression were strong and consistent risk factors for ever asthma (Odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 0.64-4.08 and 1.42-18.49, respectively) and current wheeze (ORs ranged from 1.57-3.56 and from 1.72-16.23, respectively). Female and older age appeared to be risk factors, while higher education appeared to be a protective factor for both outcomes. In conclusion, large variations in ever asthma and current wheeze prevalence were observed both within and among geographic regions, with the highest prevalence generally found in Western Europe, Brazil, and Australia, and the lowest prevalence found in Asia and Africa. / Epidemiology