Environmental exposures associated with atopy in a rural community in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases in Zimbabwe may be attributed to changing environmental exposure patterns. In this study, we sought to identify the most influential environmental and lifestyle factors that may explain the observed atopy in a rural community in Zimbabwe. Methods Using a cross-sectional study, information on a wide array of environmental and lifestyle exposures was self-reported by a sample of participants (children aged < 18 years and adults aged ≥ 18 years) in the Gwanda district, Zimbabwe. To consenting participants, we performed skin prick testing (SPT) at a local clinic in Gwanda district to identify atopic individuals. Variables with a p value < 0.25 from univariate analysis were included in backward-elimination multiple logistic regression analysis. Separate regression analyses were conducted for children (n = 108), adults (n = 388), and a subgroup of adults whoreported ever being employed in any potentially harmful occupation (n =153). Results Compared with boys, girls were more likely to be sensitised to at least one allergen (OR= 4.87, 95% CI=1.22-19.51). Among adults, the likelihood of sensitisation increased with increasing age (OR= 1.02, 95% CI=1.01-1.03) and with a history of bloody urine and/or schistosomiasis (OR=2.20, 95% CI=0.98-4.95). In the subgroup of adults whoreported ever being employed in any potentially harmful occupation, atopic sensitisation was associated with a history of tuberculosis (TB)(OR= 3.37, 95% CI=1.08-10.52) and a history of bloody urine and/or schistosomiasis (OR=4.36, 95% CI=1.40-13.65). Other notable, though not significant, factors were passive or parental smoking, alcohol consumption, indoor dampness and visible mould on walls. Conclusion Risk factors for atopy included age, sex, passive smoking, alcohol consumption, indoor dampness, visible mould, and history of TB, bloody urine or schistosomiasis. Exposure to harmful pollutants typically found in occupational settings coupled with a history of TB or helminth infection particularly increased the likelihood of atopy amongadults. Longitudinal studies to explore the temporal and causal relationships between these factors and allergic outcomes areessential. There is a need for early public health interventions to address environmental and lifestyle factors for the prevention and control of allergic diseases in African rural communities.