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Background:
Little is known
about the
epidemiology of
atopic eczema (AE),
and studies from the
Mediterranean region
and the Middle East
are limited.
Objective: We
investigated the
frequency, burden,
and risk factors of
AE in a developing
country.
Methods: The
International Study
of Asthma and
Allergies in
Childhood Phase II
questionnaire was
used to survey a
representative
sample of 10 to
11-year-old children
in Turkey. Children
were examined by
allergists, and
parents completed
standardized
questionnaires.
Results: Among
6755 children, the
prevalence of having
eczema during ones
lifetime or
currently was 17.1%
and 8.1%,
respectively. The
prevalence of visits
to the doctor,
nocturnal awakening,
school absenteeism,
and drug usage was
36.3%, 56%, 9.7%,
and 28.7%,
respectively.
Associated factors
were current
rhinoconjunctivitis
(odds ratio [OR],
2.53; 95% confidence
interval [CI],
1.99-3.21), current
wheezing (OR, 2.10;
95% CI, 1.58-2.79),
family history of
allergic disease
(OR, 1.62; 95% CI,
1.21-2.18), low
birth weight (OR,
1.79; 95% CI,
1.08-2.94), and
exposure to animals
in the first year of
life (OR, 1.47; 95%
CI, 1.06-2.03).
Conclusions: In
a developing
Mediterranean
country, the
prevalence of AE is
comparable to that
of developed
countries in the
same region and
lower than that
observed in
developed countries
elsewhere. The
course of the
disease and risk
factors of AE
probably differ in
developing
countries.
Key words:
Atopic eczema. Atopy.
Allergy. Prevalence.
Burden. Children.
Risk factors.
Epidemiology.
Treatment. ISAAC.
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