Prevalence and influencing risk factors of eczema among preschool children in Urumqi city: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background Eczema is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with impaired quality of life. We identified indoor environmental risk factors, to provide strong evidence for the prevention and control of eczema in preschool children. Methods Using a cross-sectional study with stratified random cluster sampling, we conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey among 8153 parents of children aged 2–8 years in 60 kindergartens in six districts of Urumqi city during August 2019. Results Among 8153 preschool children, 12.0% of the children have been diagnosed with eczema. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that caesarean section (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.36), being an only child (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.57), presence of mould or moisture in the mother’s home before pregnancy (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.17–2.00), presence of flies or mosquitoes in the dwelling currently (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10–1.55), pets kept in the child’s home currently (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.51), presence of pets during child’s first year (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14–1.85), and family history of eczema (OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.98–4.19) are the risk factors for the development of eczema, whereas ethnicity other than the Han Chinese (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96) is a protective factor for eczema. Conclusion Preschool children in Urumqi are at a high risk of eczema, particularly those of the Han Chinese ethnicity. Parents should be attentive to the indoor living environment of children and take actions to reduce indoor humidity, pest control and elimination, and avoid raising pets to reduce the risk of development of eczema in children.

Prevalence and Influencing Risk Factors of Eczema Among Preschool Children in Hail City

“…However, the terms "atopic eczema" and "atopic dermatitis" are still frequently employed to describe poorly defined inflammatory skin conditions with surface changes, a preference for flexures, and a family or personal history of allergic rhinitis or asthma [2]. The itching associated with eczema can disrupt children's sleep patterns and, in more severe cases, potentially impair physical and mental development [3].…”

“…The causes of this large variance in eczema prevalence are not known. Eczema is a complex skin condition that can vary in severity due to genetics, environmental factors, and cultural exposures [3,6,8,9].…”

Effectiveness of calamine lotion as an adjunctive therapy to mometasone furoate ointment in the treatment of infant eczema: A retrospective study

“…[8][9][10] Although it is greatly influenced by genetic factors and environmental exposure, its pathogenesis is still not fully understood. [8][9][10][11] Study reported that its prevalence has increased around the world. [12][13][14] If such condition can not be treated fairly well, they may result in food allergies, wheezing, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and psychological and behavioral disorders.…”

Epidemiology of Asthma, Rhinitis, Eczema, and Atopy Among Children

“…Eczema produces itching, which can disrupt sleep in children and, in extreme cases, hinder physical and mental development. Eczema can develop into asthma or rhinitis, and the management of eczema and its aggravating factors can be costly for the patient (6). Allergic rhinitis is an immunoglobulin Emediated disease caused by allergen exposure to the nasal mucosa.…”