[Risk factors related to allergic diseases at Mexico City].
BACKGROUND
Several studies suggest that the prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing worldwide in recent years; then it is very important to identify some risk factors that could be related.


OBJECTIVE
To know some hereditary and environmental risk factors that could be related to the development of allergic diseases in open population from Mexico City.


METHODS
It was an open-population, cross-sectional trial, in two phases with a random sample size of 4272 individuals in 214 public health centers. A questionnaire was applied by health workers. Statistical analysis was made with Excel 97-2004 using the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and chi-square-test for discrete variables. p < 0.001 was considered statistically significant.


RESULTS
The prevalence of allergic diseases in Mexico City was 42.6%, allergic rhinitis was the most frequent. The most important risk factors for allergic diseases were: family history of atopy in first and second degree; early consumption of cow's milk; early weaning with cereal, egg, beef, fish and pulses; living with some animals, indoor plants, active and passive smoking, to keep stuffed toys in the rooms, as well as living in dwellings with dust, cold temperatures, wall saltpeter and with dampness (mold growth).


CONCLUSIONS
Because genetic factors can not be modified, it is important to identify environmental factors related to the development of allergic diseases in order to promote preventive measures.
López Pérez
Gerardo
G
Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Colonia Insurgentes Cuicuilco, DF México. apiger@prodigy.net.mx
Morfín Maciel
Blanca María
BM
Huerta López
José
J
López López
Jorge
J
Rivera Pérez
José Luis
JL
López Medina
Leobardo
L
Mejía Covarrubias
Francisco
F
Aguilar
Gustavo
G
Vargas
Florencia
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014504:Urban Health; D055815:Young Adult