Global Asthma Network Phase I, India: Results for allergic rhinitis and eczema in 127,309 children and adults
Monica Barne, Sheetu Singh, Daya Krishan Mangal, Meenu Singh, Shally Awasthi, P A Mahesh, Sushil Kumar Kabra, Sabir Mohammed, T. U. Sukumaran, Aloke Gopal Ghoshal, Sanjeev Sinha, Sanjay Kumar Kochar, Nishtha Singh, Udaiveer Singh, Kamalesh Kumar Patel, Arvind Kumar Sharma, Bhushan Girase, Sapna Madas, Anil K. Chauhan, Niranjan Sit, Jayaraj Biligere Siddaiah, Virendra Singh, Sundeep Salvi
Abstract
Background: The objective of the study was to understand the current prevalence and associated risk factors of Allergic Rhinitis and Eczema in India among 6-7-year-olds, 13-14-year-olds and in their parents/guardians for newer directions to health care providers, policy makers and academicians. Methods: Cross-sectional, multicenter study using self- and parent-administered questionnaire among randomly selected school children aged 6 to 7 years from 8 centers and 13 to 14 years from 9 centers and their respective parents/guardians across India. Results: < .01) but not eczema showed a significant temporal decline. Coexisting atopic condition, parental history of atopy, and some environmental factors consistent with previous studies were significant risk factors among children and adolescents. AR or eczema in either parent strongly predicted the same atopic condition among their adolescent offspring. Among adults, coexisting atopic condition was the strongest predictor of either AR or eczema. Conclusions: There is a slight declining time trend of AR and eczema in India over 2 decades among children and adolescents. Nearly 10% of Indian adults suffer from AR and eczema. Although genetic factors had the strongest association for AR and eczema among all age groups, certain early-life and environmental exposures need consideration to devise preventative strategies.