Impact of Weather Conditions on Atopic Dermatitis Prevalence in Abuja, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Climatic conditions may trigger subclinical disease in predisposed individuals and also exacerbate eczematous symptoms resulting in persistence or increased frequency of atopic dermatitis (AD) flares. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of tropical weather conditions on the frequency at which atopic dermatitis patients present at the dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital in Abuja, Nigeria; and, to find out which component of these conditions exerts the most significant effects. METHODS: Medical records of all new patients seen at the clinic within July 2015 and June 2017 was obtained. Data for monthly temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloud cover and UV index of Abuja during this period was obtained from worldweatheronline. Univariate analyses and multiple regressions were used to assess the associations between monthly prevalence of AD and the above-mentioned meteorological variables. RESULTS: Patients had a 1.6 times odds (95% CI 1.03-2.56, p = 0.038) of presenting with AD in the dry season as compared to wet season. Dry season was associated with higher temperatures and UV index and lower precipitation, humidity and cloud cover, p<0.001. Multivariate logistic regression modelling adjusting for precipitation, humidity, cloud cover and age group demonstrated that precipitation (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p = 0.002), humidity (OR = 1.03, 95% CI1.01-1.05, p = 0.015) and cloud cover (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-1.02, p = 0.002) exert the most significant effects. Also infants had 4.4 times odds of AD than adults (95% CI 2.04-9.69, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Exposure to tropical season meteorological variables can influence the presentation of AD.