Clinical and sociodemographic risk factors associated with atopic dermatitis in children A single-center observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory atopic skin disorder with the most frequent onset in children under five. This study aimed to determine clinical and socio-demographic risk factors associated with atopic dermatitis in a group of school children in Riobamba, Ecuador.

Methods: The present observational study included school-children in June - August 2020. A probabilistic sample included cases with atopic dermatitis (AD) and a control group. The variables were atopic dermatitis, age, sex, family and personal history of atopy, maternal exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy or in childhood, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, parental educational level, type of residence, family type, presence of older children and pets at home, frequency of grooming, and duration of showering. The odds ratio is presented with a 95% confidence interval.

Results: A total of 175 school-children were included, 28 (14.2%) with AD. Alternatively, for exposure to secondhand smoke in childhood = 3.7, OR small families = 2.5 (P =0.042) OR for maternal history of allergic rhinitis 2.6, OR atopic dermatitis in parents = 9.0.

Conclusion: It is confirmed that the family history of diseases such as allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, as well as the personal history of diseases that are part of the atopic spectrum other than AD, exposure to tobacco smoke at home and living with a small number of members within the family, are risk factors associated with atopic dermatitis.