Prevalence of atopic dermatitis and its associated factors for elementary school children in Gyeonggi-do province

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and associated factors for AD in a total of 2,077 children from 5 elementary schools in Gyeonggi-do province. METHODS: AD was defined when parents answered "Yes" to a question in the on International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire "Has your child ever has itchy rashes with xax and wane pattern for at least 6 months?" in October 2012. SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index, skin prick testing and blood testing, were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of AD was 25.9% among 2,077 elementary school children in Gyeonggi-do province. Proportions of obesity (8.0% vs. 4.5%, P=0.004) and breast-feeding over 6 months (46.6% vs. 41.3%, P=0.035) were significantly higher in children with AD than those without. No significant differences were found in terms of sex, age, body mass index, history of breast-feeding ever and mode of delivery beween AD and non-AD children. obesity (adjusted odds ration [aOR], 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–2.75; P=0.006) and breast-feeding over 6 months (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03–1.77; P=0.029) were found as significant associated factors for AD. When stratified by sex, obesity in boys (aOR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.53–4.66; P=0.001) and breast-feeding history in girls (aOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03–2.11; P=0.034) were independently considered significant associated factors for AD. We found more boys (66.7%, P=0.028) than girls among the severe AD cases. Male sex was considered an associated factor of having severe AD (aOR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.01–4.73; P=0.048). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AD was 25.9% in elementary school children in Gyeonggi-do. province obesity and breast-feeding over 6 months were found as associated factors of having AD. Male sex was considered an associated factor for severe AD.