Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2025
A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
Risk factor analysis of allergic rhinitis in 6-8 year-old children in Taipei
1Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Insights
Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects 42.8% of children in Taiwan. Key risk factors include early antibiotic use, asthma, eczema, and cat exposure, while older siblings may offer protection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) incidence has risen significantly in Taiwan over the last 30 years.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for AR in children is crucial for public health.
- Previous research has not comprehensively examined these factors in the Taiwanese pediatric population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of rhinitis in young children in Taipei.
- To identify personal and environmental risk factors associated with rhinitis in early childhood.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for AR prevention.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey involving 24,999 first-grade children (aged 6-8 years) in Taipei.
- Utilized modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaires completed by parents or caregivers.
- Employed logistic regression analysis to assess associations between rhinitis and various risk factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of rhinitis in the past 12 months was 42.8% among the surveyed children.
- Significant risk factors for rhinitis included male gender, early-life antibiotic use, bronchiolitis, diagnosed asthma, diagnosed eczema, and early-life cat exposure.
- Having older siblings was associated with a reduced risk of rhinitis.
Conclusions:
- Early-life antibiotic use and cat exposure in the first year of life are potential targets for rhinitis prevention.
- Public health strategies should consider factors like antibiotic stewardship and pet ownership in infancy.
- Tailored preventive measures can be developed based on identified risk factors and rhinitis severity in specific subgroups.
Abstract:
The incidence of allergic rhinitis (AR) has increased rapidly in Taiwan during the past 30 years; however, potential risk factors of AR have yet to be examined. The purpose of this study is to explore the prevalence, personal and environmental risk factors of rhinitis. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 26418 first graders (6-8 years old) in Taipei with a response rate of 94.6% (24999/26418). Modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaires were completed by their parents or main caregivers. Logistic regression was used to examine possible personal and environmental (in early life and current) factors related to rhinitis. The prevalence of rhinitis in the past 12 months was 42.8% in 6-8 years old children. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for both males and females revealed that male gender, antibiotic use in first year of life, bronchiolitis before the age of two years, diagnosed asthma, and diagnosed eczema, having a cat the first year of life were associated with an increased risk of rhinitis. Having older siblings, on the other hand, may reduce the risk of rhinitis. Based on the present study, we may recommend less use of antibiotics the first year of life and not having a cat in the home in the child's first year of life as preventive measures to reduce the risk of rhinitis. From the subgroup analysis, we can take preventive measures for the different risk factors of rhinitis and the severity of rhinitis in each subgroup.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
02:06Allergic Reactions