Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis, as well as the factors that contribute to its development, particularly household and environmental determinants, in young children residing in a rural area in South Africa.
Subject and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, wherein caregivers and children were purposefully recruited as participants. Data collection involved the utilization of an adapted version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, which was then analyzed using Stata MP version 18. The study included a total of 881 caregivers, with a majority of the child participants being boys (n=477, 54.14%).
Results: The prevalence rates of historical and current atopic dermatitis were found to be 13.96% and 18.62%, respectively. Natural birth was found to be a protective factor in the study for both historical (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.094, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.039-0.224) and current atopic dermatitis (AOR: 0.098, 95% CI: 0.042-0.231). The use of a traditional grass broom for sweeping the floor, exposure to household environmental tobacco smoking, and undergoing renovations were associated with both historical and current atopic dermatitis. Moreover, having an indoor domestic cat (AOR: 2.166, 95% CI: 0.931-5.036) was found to be associated with current atopic dermatitis.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in rural areas is similar to that in urban areas among children. Consequently, there is a need to provide primary health care services, particularly for skin diseases, which are currently limited in rural areas. Additionally, environmental health services could play a crucial role in the management and control of atopic dermatitis and similar conditions in rural areas.