The Prevalence of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Atopic Dermatitis in Elementary School Students according to the Body Mass Index

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in elementary school students according to thebody mass index. METHODS: This study was conducted as cross-sectional descriptive research using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected from 6,398 students at 15 elementary schools located in Y City in Korea. The cross-sectional survey used the Korean version of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratios of body mass index. RESULTS: The symptom prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in the last 12 months was 12.4%, 49.5%, and 24.5%, respectively. The symptom prevalence of asthma was significantly higher in the obesity group. The number of those without any asthma symptom in lifetime was significantly smaller in the overweight (OR=0.70, p=.004) and obesity (OR=0.57, p=.005) groups than in the healthy weight group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis prevention programs for elementary school students should include weight control intervention.