Prevalence Rate and Indoor Risk Factors for Atopic Dermatitis in the School Aged Children in Changwon

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence rate of atopic dermatitis (AD) and indoor risk factors of AD in school-aged children living in Changwon, which is one of the largest industrial cities in Korean. Data were collected from 2,118 children in 12 elementary schools in Changwon city. A cross-sectional questionnaire based on the Korean Version of the ISAAC (International Study of Allergy and Asthma in Childhood) was employed to survey the 1 st and 4 th year elementary students from the 12 elementary schools in Changwon. The life time and last 12-month prevalence of itchy eczema were 20.6%; 70.5% in the elementary children. The life time and last 12-month prevalence of AD diagnosis were 28.8%; 12.6% in the elementary children. There was only one elementary school that was abnormal in the levels of particulate matters (PM), and Co2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors for AD were BMI, the levels of PM, Co2, CO, No2, O3, Ethylebenzene, and Xylene. This study could be used to manage possible risk factors that are related to the prevalence of AD and develop the strategies for prevention of AD.

The Effects of a School-Based Atopy Care Program for School-Aged Children

“…The management of AD in school-age children can be enhanced by the effectiveness through school-based health (Hong, 2013;J. H. Kim, Choi, & Kang, 2012).…”

“…In addition, the Korean government recently designated the “Asthma and Atopy-Friendly School” as part of its chronic disease management policy and to begin school-based allergic disease prevention and management programs. The management of AD in school-age children can be enhanced by the effectiveness through school-based health (Hong, 2013; J. H. Kim, Choi, & Kang, 2012).…”