2 research outputs found
Prevalence, severity and risk factors of allergic disorders among people in south India
Background: Allergic disorders are not usually life-threatening conditions but they impair the person’s ability to function. It thus adversely affects the psychological wellbeing and quality of life. These implications of allergic disorders can be minimized if strategies are planned for its early identification followed by appropriate interventions.Objectives: To find out the prevalence and risk factors of allergic disorders. Methods: Data was collected by house to house survey among participants aged 18 years and above using a standardized allergy assessment questionnaire.Results: Mean age of the 400 participants was 42.8±14.7 years. Majority 105(26.2%) were in the age group 36 to 45 years. Majority were females 287(71.7%) and were house wives 217(54.2%). Majority of participants were of upper socio economic class 98(44.7%) out of 219 and majority were from urban areas 326(81.5%). The prevalence of allergy among participants was found to be 115(28.7%). Out of these 115, 37(32.2%) had possibility of allergy, 60(52.2%) had probability of allergy and the rest 18(15.6%) had very high likelihood for allergy. People residing in semi urban areas had increased risk of allergy (p=0.024) than those from urban areas. The prevalence of asthma was 30(7.5%) and skin allergy was 23(5.8%). Most common precipitating factors for allergy were dust exposure 103(25.8%) followed by seasonal changes 71(17.8%). Family history of allergy was associated with allergy among participants (p<0.001). Usage of firewood was associated with symptoms of respiratory allergy among participants (p=0.01).Conclusion: The study revealed some important determinants of allergic disorders which have important implications to frame appropriate prevention and health educational strategies.Keywords: Allergy, prevalence, risk factors, semi-urban areas, urban area
Prevalence, severity and risk factors of allergic disorders among people in south India.
Background: Allergic disorders are not usually life-threatening
conditions but they impair the person\u2019s ability to function. It
thus adversely affects the psychological wellbeing and quality of life.
These implications of allergic disorders can be minimized if strategies
are planned for its early identification followed by appropriate
interventions. Objectives: To find out the prevalence and risk factors
of allergic disorders. Methods: Data was collected by house to house
survey among participants aged 18 years and above using a standardized
allergy assessment questionnaire. Results: Mean age of the 400
participants was 42.8\ub114.7 years. Majority 105(26.2%) were in the
age group 36 to 45 years. Majority were females 287(71.7%) and were
house wives 217(54.2%). Majority of participants were of upper socio
economic class 98(44.7%) out of 219 and majority were from urban areas
326(81.5%). The prevalence of allergy among participants was found to
be 115(28.7%). Out of these 115, 37(32.2%) had possibility of allergy,
60(52.2%) had probability of allergy and the rest 18(15.6%) had very
high likelihood for allergy. People residing in semi urban areas had
increased risk of allergy (p=0.024) than those from urban areas. The
prevalence of asthma was 30(7.5%) and skin allergy was 23(5.8%). Most
common precipitating factors for allergy were dust exposure 103(25.8%)
followed by seasonal changes 71(17.8%). Family history of allergy was
associated with allergy among participants (p<0.001). Usage of
firewood was associated with symptoms of respiratory allergy among
participants (p=0.01). Conclusion: The study revealed some important
determinants of allergic disorders which have important implications to
frame appropriate prevention and health educational strategies