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Prevalence and correlates of allergic diseases among children

R Pawlinska-Chmara1, I Wronka, M Muc

  • 1Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Opole University, Opole, Poland. roma@uni.opole.pl

Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology : an Official Journal of the Polish Physiological Society
|February 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors significantly influence childhood allergies. Children with allergies showed higher body weight but similar height compared to their peers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Allergic diseases are a growing public health concern in children.
  • Understanding the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) and lifestyle on allergy prevalence is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • Previous research suggests a link between environmental and social factors and allergic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between SES, lifestyle factors, and the prevalence of allergic diseases in children aged 4-9.
  • To examine differences in biological development rates (height, weight) between children with and without allergies.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional survey involving 301 children aged 4-9 years.
  • Data collected on parental-reported allergies, SES indicators, and lifestyle factors.
  • Comparison of anthropometric measurements (height, weight) between allergic and non-allergic children.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of allergies was 19.3% (58 out of 301 children).
  • Allergy prevalence was significantly lower in villages (12.8%) compared to towns (26.2%).
  • Higher allergy occurrence was associated with higher parental education, good economic conditions, artificial feeding, and nursery attendance.
  • Children with allergies had higher body weight but comparable height to their peers.

Conclusions:

  • Socioeconomic status and specific lifestyle factors are associated with a higher prevalence of childhood allergies.
  • Urban environments and certain early-life feeding and care practices may increase allergy risk.
  • While allergies did not affect height, they were linked to increased body weight in children.

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