Allergy Asthma Immunol Res.  2014 Sep;6(5):421-427. 10.4168/aair.2014.6.5.421.

Exploring Household-level Risk Factors for Self-reported Prevalence of Allergic Diseases Among Low-income Households in Seoul, Korea

• Seo S
• Kim D
• Paul C
• Yoo Y
• Choung JT

• KMID: 2181078
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2014.6.5.421

Abstract

PURPOSE
Indoor risk factors for allergic diseases in low-income households in Korea have been characterized only partially. We evaluated the prevalences of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis in Seoul, Korea, to identify key housing and behavioral risk factors of low-income households.
METHODS
Statistical analysis of the prevalence of these diseases and various risk factors was conducted using data from a 2010 Ministry of Environment household survey. Logistic regression models were generated using data from 511 low-income household apartments in districts of Seoul.
RESULTS
In general, housing factors such as renovation history (P<0.1) and crowding status (P<0.01) were associated with allergic rhinitis, whereas behavioral factors such as frequency of indoor ventilation (P<0.05) and cleaning (P<0.1) were inversely correlated with atopic dermatitis. Indoor smoking was a major trigger of asthma and atopic dermatitis in low-income households (P<0.05). The presence of mold and water leakage in houses were the most important risk factors for all three diseases (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Various risk factors play a role in triggering allergic diseases among low-income households in Seoul, and health or environmental programs mitigating allergic diseases should be tailored to address appropriate housing or behavioral factors in target populations.

Keyword

Atopic dermatitis; asthma; allergic rhinitis; risk factors; low-income population; Korea

MeSH Terms

Asthma
Crowding
Dermatitis, Atopic
Family Characteristics*
Fungi
Health Services Needs and Demand
Housing
Korea
Logistic Models
Poverty
Prevalence*
Rhinitis
Risk Factors*
Seoul
Smoke
Smoking
Ventilation
Water
Smoke
Water

Figure

• 

  Figure Comparison of indoor environmental hazards according to risk factors: (A) Average concentration of airborne mold and (B) percentage of households with over 20 dust mites per square meter.

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