Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
Volume 48, Issue 10, 2012, Pages 913-920

Time trends and risk factors for rhinoconjunctivitis in New Zealand children: An International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) survey (Review)

Moyes C.D. , Clayton T.* , Pearce N. , Asher M.I. , Ellwood P. , MacKay R. , Mitchell E. , Pattemore P. , Stewart A.W. , Crane J.
  • a Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Whakatane, New Zealand
  • b Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • c Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, New Zealand, Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
  • d Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • e Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • f Nelson Hospital, Nelson, New Zealand, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • g Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • h Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • i School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
  • j Wellington Asthma Research Group, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

Aim: To investigate prevalence, time trends and factors associated with rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis not related to acute infections in New Zealand. Methods: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) surveyed children aged 6-7 and 13-14 years for symptoms of these conditions. Five New Zealand centres were surveyed on two occasions (Phase One and Phase Three) 8-10 years apart. In Phase Three, questions were included on environmental factors, which might be associated with rhinoconjunctivitis. We report findings related to symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis among 24 190 New Zealand children. Results: Symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis in the past year were reported in 11.4% of 6- to 7-year-old children and 18% of 13- to 14-year-old adolescents in Phase Three compared with 9.5 and 19.1%, respectively, in Phase One. Severe symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis were reported in 0.5% of children and 0.8% of adolescents. Current symptoms were more common in males at 6-7 years and in females of 13-14 years, and Maori and Pacific Island ethnic groups had higher prevalence compared with those of European descent, especially in the older age group. For immigrant children, there was a very strong positive relationship between symptoms and length of time resident in New Zealand, supporting the probable importance of environmental factors. A positive association was found between symptoms and use of paracetamol in infancy or in the last year, and weaker associations were noted for antibiotic use, exercise, and regular pasta ingestion. Conclusions: Further study of environmental factors is recommended. © 2012 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Author Keywords

Children hay fever New Zealand Adolescents rhinitis

Index Keywords

lifestyle Heating exercise health survey human risk assessment sex difference antibiotic agent priority journal Conjunctivitis, Allergic Environment Health Surveys phase 1 clinical trial (topic) fume phase 3 clinical trial (topic) school child Humans geography Adolescent male environmental factor environmental temperature infancy preschool child risk factor Risk Factors Review female questionnaire rhinoconjunctivitis symptom prevalence Humidity Questionnaires major clinical study antibiotic therapy European Continental Ancestry Group Sex Factors New Zealand Oceanic Ancestry Group disease severity ethnicity food intake disease association Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal paracetamol time Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84867898560&doi=10.1111%2fj.1440-1754.2012.02518.x&partnerID=40&md5=73767870f96770ae14bbed983d5409b9
DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2012.02518.x
ISSN: 10344810
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English