Association between Environmental Factors in Home and Behavioral Problems in Children with Allergic Diseases: Based on 2015 Panel Study of Korean Children Survey

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the association between indoor environmental exposures and behavioral problems in children with allergic diseases.METHODS: We used data from 2015 Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC). The subjects of this study included 825 children aged 7 years with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis. The data was analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression.RESULTS: Factors influencing behavioral problems in children with allergic diseases were passive smoking (β=.15, p < .001), painting from 1year after birth until 1 year ago (β=.13, p < .001), using of linoleum as floor materials (β=.09, p < .001), change of wallpaper From 2 years before pregnancy until 1year after birth (β=.08, p < .001), change of wallpaper from 1year after birth until 1 year ago (β=.07, p < .001), keeping hot food or water in plastic container (β=.06, p < .001), remodeling from 1 year after birth until 1year ago (β=.04, p < .001), using of plastic container (β=.03, p < .001), and change of floor materials from 1 year after birth until 1year ago (β=.01, p=.006) which explained about 10% of behavioral problems.CONCLUSION: This study showed that indoor environmental exposures were associated with behavioral problems in children with allergic diseases. Based on the findings of this study, programs focusing on controlling of indoor environmental exposures may help to prevent and reduce behavioral problems in children with allergic diseases.