The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Eczema in Primary School Children, Zanjan, Iran

Allergies are manifested with a variety of signs and symptoms. In this study, the frequencies of asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and related factors among 6- to 7-year-old schoolchildren were investigated.

Materials & Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out among schoolchildren of 35 elementary schools of Zanjan by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISSAC) questionnaire consisting of the following:  asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, sex, weight, height, feeding, paracetamol and antibiotic use, maternal education, physical activity, exposure to pets or farm animals, heavy traffic exposure, and parental tobacco use. Data were gathered and analyzed by SPSS software.

In this study, 800 children (383 girls and 417 boys) were recruited. The prevalence of wheezing was 28.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] [27, 36]), rhinitis 20% (95% CI [19, 27]), and dermatitis 16.8% (95% CI [13.1, 17.5]). However, the rates of physician-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema were 1%, 8.9%, and 4.1%, respectively. The prevalence rates of asthma symptoms and atopic dermatitis were significantly higher in girls than in boys (P=0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). The weight of children with asthma was significantly higher than children without asthma (P=0.01). 

The frequencies of wheezing, rhinitis, and dermatitis among 6- to 7-year-old children were high. Thus, symptoms and history should be considered for the accurate diagnosis and management of children.