Asia Pac Allergy.  2012 Jan;2(1):59-66. 10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.1.59.

Surveillance of home environment in children with atopic dermatitis: a questionnaire survey

• Lee JH
• Suh J
• Kim EH
• Cho JB
• Park HY
• Kim J
• Ahn K
• Cheong HK
• Lee SI

• KMID: 2397412
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.1.59

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) suggests a role for environmental factors in triggering a genetic predisposition in sufferers.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate home environmental factors related to AD severity.
METHODS
We conducted a questionnaire survey about the home environmental factors in 380 children from two daycare centers and the Samsung Medical Center outpatient clinic. AD was diagnosed by Hanifin and Rajka's criteria and its severity was assessed by the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis index. Children were divided into normal control group, mild AD group and severe AD group. Home environmental factors were compared among the three groups and were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic analysis.
RESULTS
Indoor remodeling activities, such as painting (p = 0.004), floor covering (p = 0.001) and wallpaper changing (p = 0.002) were associated with severity of AD. Those in the severe AD group were more likely to live in an apartment (p < 0.001). Severe AD was observed more frequently when the monthly income of household (p = 0.027) and final educational status of mother (p = 0.001) were higher.
CONCLUSION
Some home environmental factors were associated with AD severity, but its causal relationship is not clear. Further research is needed to confirm these associations and to clarify whether they are causative.

Keyword

Atopic dermatitis; Home environment; Childhood; Risk factor

MeSH Terms

Ambulatory Care Facilities
Child*
Dermatitis, Atopic*
Educational Status
Family Characteristics
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Humans
Mothers
Paint
Paintings
Prevalence
Risk Factors

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