Prevalence and Factors Associated with Immediate Allergic Sensitization Among Children Attending Rural and Urban Primary Schools in Mwanza, Tanzania
Abella Kokushubira Bukagile [Female]
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Immediate Allergic Sensitization Among Children Attending Rural and Urban Primary Schools in Mwanza, Tanzania - Mwanza, Tanzania: Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS - Bugando] : 2020 - ix; 80 Pages Includes References and Appendices
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases are among the most common misdiagnosed conditions and leading indication for the majority of children to attend outpatient clinics. The misdiagnosis can be attributed to few allergists and lack of diagnostic tools in Africa, which leads to unnecessary treatment with antibiotics consequently precipitating the problem of antimicrobial resistance.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to document the burden of immediate allergic sensitization, identify the common triggers and other factors associated with immediate allergic sensitization in healthy school children from rural and urban areas of Mwanza.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sengerema rural and Nyamagana urban schools. Demographic, lifestyle, clinical symptoms, history of allergies and other relevant information were collected by using Swahili-translated ISAAC questionnaire. Immediate allergic sensitization was done, interpreted and data analyzed using STATA version 13.
RESULTS: A total of 345 children, with a mean age of 10.3 years responded to the survey questions. Overall prevalence of immediate allergic sensitization was 114/345 (33.0%, 95% CI: 28-38) with common allergens detected being house dust mite 85/114(74.6%) and grass mixtures 28/114(24.6%). Prevalence of immediate allergic sensitization was significantly higher among children from rural areas than in urban areas of Mwanza region (97/214 (45.3%) vs. 17/131 (13.0%), P<0.001) By multivariable logistic regression analysis, being a child aged 11-14 years (OR:1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9, p=0.035), residing in rural areas (OR:6.3, 95%CI:3.0- 12.9, p<0.001) and having history of rash in the past year (OR:4.5, 95%CI:1.6-12.4, p=0.004) predicted immediate allergic sensitization among children in Mwanza.
CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of immediate allergic sensitization in Mwanza is alarmingly high with higher prevalence in rural areas than urban areas. Majority of children reacted to house dust mite and grass mixture. Immediate allergic sensitization is predicted by being in age group 11-14 years, residing in rural areas and having history of rash in the past year. Further studies to ascertain reactivity to more common allergens in Mwanza are warranted and emphasis on allergy testing should be emphasized among clinicians.
--Pediatrics and Child Health
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Immediate Allergic Sensitization Among Children Attending Rural and Urban Primary Schools in Mwanza, Tanzania - Mwanza, Tanzania: Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS - Bugando] : 2020 - ix; 80 Pages Includes References and Appendices
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases are among the most common misdiagnosed conditions and leading indication for the majority of children to attend outpatient clinics. The misdiagnosis can be attributed to few allergists and lack of diagnostic tools in Africa, which leads to unnecessary treatment with antibiotics consequently precipitating the problem of antimicrobial resistance.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to document the burden of immediate allergic sensitization, identify the common triggers and other factors associated with immediate allergic sensitization in healthy school children from rural and urban areas of Mwanza.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sengerema rural and Nyamagana urban schools. Demographic, lifestyle, clinical symptoms, history of allergies and other relevant information were collected by using Swahili-translated ISAAC questionnaire. Immediate allergic sensitization was done, interpreted and data analyzed using STATA version 13.
RESULTS: A total of 345 children, with a mean age of 10.3 years responded to the survey questions. Overall prevalence of immediate allergic sensitization was 114/345 (33.0%, 95% CI: 28-38) with common allergens detected being house dust mite 85/114(74.6%) and grass mixtures 28/114(24.6%). Prevalence of immediate allergic sensitization was significantly higher among children from rural areas than in urban areas of Mwanza region (97/214 (45.3%) vs. 17/131 (13.0%), P<0.001) By multivariable logistic regression analysis, being a child aged 11-14 years (OR:1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9, p=0.035), residing in rural areas (OR:6.3, 95%CI:3.0- 12.9, p<0.001) and having history of rash in the past year (OR:4.5, 95%CI:1.6-12.4, p=0.004) predicted immediate allergic sensitization among children in Mwanza.
CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of immediate allergic sensitization in Mwanza is alarmingly high with higher prevalence in rural areas than urban areas. Majority of children reacted to house dust mite and grass mixture. Immediate allergic sensitization is predicted by being in age group 11-14 years, residing in rural areas and having history of rash in the past year. Further studies to ascertain reactivity to more common allergens in Mwanza are warranted and emphasis on allergy testing should be emphasized among clinicians.
--Pediatrics and Child Health