Prevalence and factors linked to allergic rhinitis in 10 and 11-year-old children in Almería. Isaac Phase II, Spain

ABSTRACT

Background: Allergic rhinitis affects 10-30% of children in developed countries and has increased in frequency over the last few decades, probably due to changes in the environment and life style. Aim: To assess the prevalence, severity, and factors linked to rhinitis in 10 and 11-year-old children from Almeria (Spain). Methods: As part of ISAAC II, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among a representative sample of 1143 schoolchildren in spring and autumn of 2001, using homologated questionnaires and skin-prick testing. Results: The overall prevalence of rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis were 38.9% and 24.8%, respectively, 17.9% had medically diagnosed rhinitis. During the previous year symptoms disturbed daily activities and school attendance in some measure in 40% and 26% of children with rhinitis, respectively. Results: The risk factors found in the multiple logistic regression analysis were atopy (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.92–3.42); cat contact at home during first year of life (OR 2.4 95% CI 1.13–5.12); prior medical diagnosis of asthma (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.22–4.02); nocturnal cough in absence of colds (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.25–2.97); diagnosis of rhinitis in one of the parents (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.31–2.59); wheezing at any time (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.18–2.28); and nursery school attendance (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.21–2.5). Conclusions: The prevalence of rhinitis found is superior to that of other centres participating in the ISAAC Phases I and II, and coexists with asthma and eczema in many children. The independent risk factors associated to rhinitis are in accordance with previous reports