The Southern Sweden Adolescent Allergy-Cohort: Prevalence of allergic diseases and cross-sectional associations with individual and social factors

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Asthma and allergic diseases are the most frequent chronic diseases in childhood worldwide, and considered a burden for the affected children and their families. The diseases impose an economic burden on society if not diagnosed and treated properly and management of and these diseases are challenging for healthcare professionals. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the prevalence of allergic diseases in an unselected cohort of adolescents in southern Sweden. Additionally, associations with sociodemographic factors were investigated, as well as impact on daily life. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a cohort of n = 1 530 school children, aged 13 to 14, from 13 municipalities in southern Sweden. Data were collected through web-based questionnaires. Results: Of all children 32% reported at least one allergic disease. 67% reported one allergic disease and 33% reported more than one. No allergy-related disease were reported by 68%. Current asthma was reported by 9.8% and current rhino-conjunctivitis was reported by 13%. The prevalence of food hypersensitivity was 12% and the prevalence of eczema was 11%. One to three wheezing attacks were reported from 55% and 40% reported more than four attacks of wheezing in the preceding year. The self-reported allergic diseases were diagnosed by a doctor in; 36% (food hypersensitivity) to 69% (rhinoconjunctivitis) of the cases. Conclusions: A high number of affected children were identified. Some children being undiagnosed and some not receiving satisfactory treatment. These results suggest that additional studies to evaluate treatment procedures in order to improve healthcare for allergic children are warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• Pediatrics
• prevention
• rhinitis/sinusitis
• treatment

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank, Elisabeth Holmner, Asthma and Allergy Nurse at Skåne University Hospital for the study coordination, implementation and her great enthusiasm and Professor Leif Bjermer for supporting the study planning. The study group also thank the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Sweden, for the economic support to the data collection.

Ethics

The study was approved by the regional ethical board in Lund, Sweden, 2011/753.

Availability of data and materials

Data cannot be shared without additional approval from the regional board and legal authorities at Lund University.

Additional information

Funding

The Swedish Allergy and Asthma foundation.