Resumen

VARONA PEREZ, Patricia et al. Prevalence of symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents in La Habana (2002-2003). Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2012, vol.28, n.1, pp.42-51. ISSN 0864-2125.

Objectives: to determine the prevalence of atopic eczema and to describe its features in children and adolescents of La Habana, as well as its relation to asthma and rhinitis. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted applying the ISAAC methodology (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in the Childhood) adapted to national context. Included are 1 803 children (6-7 years) and 3 023 adolescents (13-14 years) from the urban students of Playa and Marianao municipalities during 2002-2003. Information was obtained from interviews with parents of children and adolescents. In analysis authors used the absolute and relative frequency in percentages, odds ratio and its 95 % confidence intervals. Results: prevalence accumulated of eczema symptoms was referred in approximately 4 of each 10 children: 38.3 % (CI 33.8-42.7) and in 2 of each 10 adolescents: 22.5 % (CI 20.1-25.0); the present prevalence in children and adolescents was of 22.2 % (CI 19.0-25.5) and 14.1 % (CI 12.4-16.1), respectively. During the first two years of life the 50 % of children start with the symptoms, which were more severe in 2 of each 10 students. The children presenting with symptoms of eczema had four times more risk of rhinitis (OR 1.9 CI 95 % 1.1-3.5) or asthma (OR 2.4 CI 95 % 1.6-3.6); in adolescents the risk of rhinitis increased up to 5 (OR 2.6 CI 95 % 1.4-4.9). Conclusions: it was evidenced a high prevalence of atopic dermatitis and its relevance as a health problem. Results were a basic guide to compare it with other cities of our country and with those of other regions; allowing to document trends at population scale and to assess the impact of future interventions.

Palabras clave : atopic dermatitis; eczema; prevalence.

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