Allergic diseases and school bullying among children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study in China

Previous studies have suggested an association between certain allergic diseases and school bullying among children. However, there is still a lack of population-based evidence concerning any allergic disease, especially among East Asian populations. This observational study aimed to examine the association between childhood allergic diseases and school bullying. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3114 students from primary and secondary schools in Longhua district, Shenzhen, China. Data on physician-diagnosed allergic disease and school bullying among children were collected via self-administered structured questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We further evaluated whether sex, body mass index (BMI), and household economic status modified the association between allergic disease and school bullying. A total of 989 cases of childhood allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (13.8%), food allergies (7.8%), allergic rhinitis (18.5%), and asthma (1.2%), were identified. Logistic regression analysis revealed that children with allergies were more likely to experience bullying at school, both those with any allergic disease and those specifically diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, food allergies, or asthma. The associations between allergic diseases and school bullying among children and adolescents were independent of sex, BMI classification, and household economic status.

This study suggests a link between allergic diseases and exposure to school bullying among children and adolescents. These findings emphasise the importance of increasing awareness of the risk of school bullying among young people with allergic diseases.

• Childhood allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and asthma, are associated with an increased risk of school bullying. • Population-based evidence from East Asian populations is lacking regarding the association between these allergic diseases and bullying.

• This large cross-sectional study of 3114 schoolchildren in Shenzhen, China, confirms that children with allergic diseases-particularly atopic dermatitis, food allergy, or asthma-are at increased risk of experiencing school bullying. • The results of this study further demonstrated that in this East Asian population, the link between childhood allergic diseases and school bullying remained consistent regardless of sex, BMI classification, or household economic status.