Prevalence of atopic disorders in 10–15 years age group students from Kasaragod district, Kerala: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Atopic disorders are showing a consistent trend of increasing prevalence. Kasaragod was an endosulfan aerial spray region that caused multiple health issues in the population. The aim of this paper was to a) determine the prevalence of, b) identify socio-environmental determinants (SED) of atopic disorders amongst school children of age 10–15 years in Kasaragod district. Methodology: The study is a cross-sectional survey of students of class 8 to 10 in 20 schools of Kasaragod educational district. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) core questionnaire identified atopic students. A validated, closed-ended 30 questions elicited exposure to SEDs. Results: In 20 schools, 5914 students filled questionnaires. ISAAC questionnaire identified 2310 (41.8%) atopic students; 716 (13%) chronic wheezers, 543 (9.8%) eczema and 1813 (32.8%) rhinitis. The study showed a significant relationship between rhinitis mode of going to school, solid biomass fuel, rodents and reptiles infestation in living places. Rhinitis is prevalent in students who lived near the coastal region, tarred roads and footpaths. The chance of getting asthma, when a student had eczema and vice-versa (odds ratio = 2.388, x2 = 66.450, p = 0.000), between asthma to rhinitis (odds ratio = 3.671, x2 = 270.829, p = 0.000) and eczema and rhinitis (odds ratio = 2.852, x2 = 139.485, p = 0.000) showed significant relation. Discussion: Atopy prevalence is higher in Kasaragod and association with other allergic disorders suggestive of atopic march. Further studies required to identify reasons; mainly on environmental pollution, epigenetic changes in students.

Keywords

• Allergic rhinitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Bronchial asthma
• Epigenomics
• International study of asthma and allergies in childhood
• School health services