Epidemiology of eczema among Lebanese adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The study aims to determine the prevalence of eczema among Lebanese adolescents and identify demographic, nutritional and environmental characteristics associated with eczema.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study conducted on a convenient sample of 3 153 students (13-14 years) selected from five different provinces in Lebanon. Significant unadjusted demographic, nutritional and environmental variables were considered in a stepwise regression model.


RESULTS
Ever having an itchy rash that lasted for a period more than six months was reported by 788 (25.0%) adolescents, while 404 (12.8%) reported ever having eczema. Females and passive smokers were at 1.5 increased risk of having eczema than their counterparts. Exercising regularly, living near a busy area, and frequent eating of eggs were positively associated with eczema. Finally, adolescents who suffered from allergic diseases, asthma (Odds ratio (OR): 1.64, 95% CI: 1.16-2.32), rhinitis (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.07-1.70) and hay fever (OR: 2.77; 95% CI: 2.12-3.62) also reported having had eczema.


CONCLUSIONS
Environmental factors were found to play an important role in the prevalence of eczema among adolescents.
Al-Sahab
Ban
B
School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Bethune College, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
Atoui
Maria
M
Musharrafieh
Umayya
U
Zaitoun
Fares
F
Ramadan
Fuad
F
Tamim
Hala
H
D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003906:Developing Countries; D004485:Eczema / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution