Association of body mass index with asthma, allergy rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis among adolescents in Incheon, South Korea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The current study investigated the association of body mass index with asthma and allergic diseases among adolescents in Incheon, South Korea. METHODS: The study sample included 2,140 teenagers living in Incheon. The standard questionnaires of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood study were used to survey the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. In addition, family history of allergic diseases, height, and weight were collected via self-report. RESULTS: The average body mass index was higher in male adolescents with asthma (21.38 kg/m2) than in those without (20.19 kg/m2). Body mass index of male adolescents was associated asthma and atopic dermatitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.074; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.008-1.143; P=0.026 for asthma and OR, 1.072; 95% CI, 0.998-1.150; P=0.056 for atopic dermatitis) after adjustment for family history of allergic diseases, age, and school as covariates. CONCLUSION: Asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are of highly prevalent in adolescents living in Incheon. Obesity may be associated with asthma in male adolescents.