Risk Assessment of Allergic Diseases Among Preschool Children in Guangzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the lifestyle and stress of mothers during pregnancy to analyze the risk factors for the disease in early childhood.

Patients and Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2022 to June 2022 in a sub-district in Guangzhou, China. A total of 3437 valid questionnaires were eventually collected. The questionnaire consisted of 56 questions in three sections included questions on child’s birth conditions and early life environment, questions on mother’s lifestyle during pregnancy, and questions about father.

Results

49.75% of the children were likely to have allergic diseases (suspected allergy group). There were more boys in the suspected allergy group (58% vs 50%), and the percentage of children born at first birth was also higher in the suspected allergy group (61% vs 51%). 67% to 69% of children had suspicious allergies when one parent claimed an allergy, and 80.1% when both parents reported an allergy. The results of the multifactorial logistic model showed that male had 1.49 (1.28 to 1.73) times the risk of allergic diseases than female, and preterm births increased the risk of allergic diseases by 1.53 (1.13–2.07) times compared to full-term births. Both unplanned pregnancies and pregnancy complications increased the risk of allergic diseases in children before school age [1.34 (1.15–1.55) and 1.82 (1.46–2.26)]. Among pregnant women who reported regular passive smoking, the risk of the disease was increased 2.43 (1.71 to 3.50) times in preschool children. Reported allergies in all family members were significant risk factors for allergic diseases in children, especially mother [2.88 (2.41~3.46)]. In the prenatal period, maternal negative emotions are more common in children with suspected allergies.

Conclusion

Nearly half of the children in the region suffer from allergic diseases. Sex, birth order and full-term delivery all contributed to early childhood allergy. Family history of allergy, especially maternal, was the most important risk factor, and the number of family members with allergy was significantly associated with the allergy in children. Maternal effects are also reflected in prenatal conditions such as unplanned pregnancy, smoke exposure, pregnancy complications, and prenatal stress.

Keywords:

• cross-sectional
• heritability
• risk factor
• questionnaire
• allergic rhinitis

Abbreviations

AR, Allergic rhinitis; AC, allergic conjunctivitis; AA, allergic asthma; FA, food allergy; DA, drug allergy; AD, atopic dermatitis; OFC, oral food challenge; SA, Skin allergy; IQR, interquartile; SD, standard Deviation.

Statement of Ethics

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (GYYY-2021-67). All subjects independently or through their parents (in the case of children), provided their written informed consent.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Guangzhou Science and Technology Program (202102010327); Guangdong Zhongnanshan Medical Foundation (ZNSXS-20220015).

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.