title: Epidemiology of eczema among Lebanese adolescents.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Bethune College, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
authors.forename: Ban
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Al-Sahab
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Atoui
authors.forename: Umayya
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Musharrafieh
authors.forename: Fares
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zaitoun
authors.forename: Fuad
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ramadan
authors.forename: Hala
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tamim
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution