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Asthma and other allergic diseases among Saudi schoolchildren in Najran: the need for a comprehensive intervention
1Prof. Jobran Miree Alqahtani, Department of Pediatrics,, Najran University,, Najran 61411,, Saudi Arabia, T: +9665428000,, F: +9665428333, jobranm@hotmail.com, ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3198-7576.
Insights
Allergic diseases are prevalent in Saudi schoolchildren, with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis affecting over 40% combined. Key risk factors include male gender, fast food, and pet ownership, highlighting the need for intervention programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rising incidence of allergic diseases in children and young adults globally.
- Significant morbidity and mortality associated with allergic conditions.
- Need for localized data on pediatric allergy prevalence and risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of allergic diseases among schoolchildren in Najran, Saudi Arabia.
- To identify risk factors associated with pediatric allergic diseases in the region.
- To assess allergen sensitization patterns in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional observational study design.
- Utilized the Arabic version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire.
- Performed skin prick tests (SPT) with a standardized allergen panel.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates: 27.5% for asthma, 6.3% for allergic rhinitis, 12.5% for atopic dermatitis.
- Significant risk factors identified: male gender, fast food consumption, proximity to truck traffic, and pet ownership (dogs/cats).
- 42.5% of children showed sensitization to at least one allergen, with grass pollens, cat fur, and house dust mites being most common.
Conclusions:
- Urgent need for targeted intervention programs to mitigate the burden of allergic diseases.
- Findings underscore the importance of environmental and lifestyle factors in pediatric allergies.
- Results specific to Najran may not be generalizable to the entire Saudi population.
Background:
In the last three decades, an increasing incidence of allergic diseases has been associated with increasing morbidity and mortality in children and young adults.
Objectives:
The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with allergic diseases among Saudi schoolchildren in the southwestern Saudi region of Najran, and to determine the sensitization of patients to a set of allergens.
Design:
Cross-sectional observational study.
Setting:
Primary, intermediate and secondary schools, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
Subjects And Methods:
All participants completed the Arabic version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed, using a panel of standardized allergenic extracts.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Prevalence and risk factors associated with pediatric allergic diseases.
Results:
The study included 1700 Saudi schoolchildren. The overall prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis was 27.5%, 6.3% and 12.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.27), fast food consumption (aOR, 1.53), trucks passing near houses (aOR, 1.86), and having a dog or cat at home (aOR, 1.85) were significant risk factors. A total of 722 (42.5%) children had a positive SPT result to at least one allergen. The most prevalent allergens were grass pollens (60%), cat fur (41.6%), and house dust mites (25%).
Conclusions:
The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for developing an effective interven- tion program including several components working in harmony to control and reduce the burden of allergic diseases.
Limitations:
These results may not be generalizable to the rest of Saudi Arabia.
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