Prevalence and factors linked to atopic eczema in 10- and 11-year-old schoolchildren. Isaac 2 in Almeria, Spain.
BACKGROUND
Atopic eczema affects 5-10% of the Spanish paediatric population, and has increased in frequency over the last few decades, probably due to changes in the environment and lifestyle. Phase II of the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) uses a standardised methodology to establish the prevalence of allergic disorders and factors linked to them in each centre.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence and severity of atopic eczema, and to establish factors linked to atopic eczema in 10-11 year-old school children in the city of Almeria (South-East coast of Spain).


METHODS
An ecological study was carried out as part of ISAAC II, using homologated questionnaires and allergic tests in 1143 schoolchildren. Statistic association was assessed by means of chi(2) test, and then logistic regression analysis was performed with the most significant variables from the univariant analysis.


RESULTS
The prevalence of atopic eczema was 11.4%. The risk factors found in the multiple logistic regression analysis were: personal antecedents of severe asthma (OR 19 CI 95% 1.35-266) and severe rhinitis (OR 7.7 CI 95% 1.79-33), fungi in bedroom during the first year of life (OR 4.2 CI 95% 1.17-15.1) and atopic eczema in one parent (OR 5.2 CI 95% 2.69-10.1).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of atopic eczema is similar to that found in other studies within ISAAC Phase I. The most important risk factors for atopic eczema are family and personal history of other atopic diseases and the presence of fungi in the home.
Batlles Garrido
J
J
Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergy Unit, Service of Paediatrics, Hospital Torrecárdenas, Almería, Spain. batllesgarrido@hotmail.com
Torres-Borrego
J
J
Bonillo Perales
A
A
Rubí Ruiz
T
T
González Jiménez
Y
Y
Momblán De Cabo
J
J
Aguirre Rodríguez
J
J
Jiménez Liria
R
R
Losilla Maldonado
A
A
Daza Torres
M
M
D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D012882:Skin Tests; D013030:Spain