According to the hygiene hypothesis, the lowest rates of asthma are predicted to occur in which type of population?

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that a lack of exposure to infectious agents, microbes, and parasites in early childhood can predispose individuals to allergic diseases, such as asthma. This theory implies that populations with higher levels of microbial exposure during formative years may have lower rates of asthma and allergies.

Poor rural families in developing countries are more likely to have closer contact with the natural environment, animals, and other microbial sources. These conditions foster greater exposure to a diverse range of microbes and parasites, which may help in the development of a robust immune system and potentially protect against asthma.

Conversely, populations that are wealthier and live in more sanitized environments tend to have fewer microbial exposures due to improved hygiene practices, higher living standards, and less interaction with the natural world. As a result, these populations may experience higher rates of asthma and allergies. Therefore, among the given options, poor rural families in developing countries align best with the principles of the hygiene hypothesis and are predicted to have the lowest rates of asthma.