Worldwide prevalence of atopic dermatitis in children between 2000 and 2021: A systematic analysis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent allergic disease that significantly impacts pediatric health.

To comprehensively describe the global, regional, and national AD prevalence trends among children aged 0 to 14 years between 2000 and 2021.

Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 were used to analyze AD prevalence and case numbers. The annual average percentage change was calculated to assess prevalence trends.

In 2021, global pediatric AD cases reached 72.4 million (95% uncertainty interval: 68.5-76.5), a 6.2% increase from 2000. Despite the rise in cases, the prevalence rate decreased on average by 0.15% (95% CI: 0.14%-0.16%). Regional prevalence varied widely, with the highest rates in Central Asia, high-income Asia Pacific, and Western Europe and the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nationally, the AD prevalence rates ranged from 1.50% in Rwanda to 10.67% in Mongolia. Between 2000 and 2021, 108 countries or territories showed a significant increase in AD prevalence, with the most notable rises in Russia, Ghana, and Latvia. In contrast, 48 countries, including the United States, Syria, and Japan, experienced a marked decrease in AD prevalence. Age and sex (male and female) patterns showed the highest prevalence in children aged 5 to 9 years, with girls having higher rates than boys across all age groups.

This study reveals complex global patterns in pediatric AD prevalence, underscoring the necessity of regionally tailored public health strategies and further research into the diverse causes of AD to enhance prevention and management efforts.