Child-related factors contributing to the occurrence of atopic dermatitis among children aged 6 months to 10 years attending Kasangati Health Centre IV in Wakiso district.

Abstract

Background:

In Uganda, the lifetime prevalence of reported atopic dermatitis among schoolchildren is estimated at 13.5%, with a 12-month prevalence of 2.3%. The study aims to determine child-related factors contributing to the occurrence of atopic dermatitis among children aged 6 months to 10 years attending Kasangati Health Centre IV in Wakiso district.

 Methodology:

A cross-sectional study design was used during the study to collect quantitative data among children from 6 months to 10 years diagnosed with atopic dermatitis visiting the OPD attending Kasangati health centre IV. A simple random sampling technique was used.

 Results:

Most of the categories, 20 (40%), were aged between 5-10 years, followed by 12 (24%), a little more with 10(20%) aged 1-5yrs while the least, 8 (16%), were aged below 1-6 months. Most of the categories were male: 35 (70%); 15 (30%) were female; 28 (56%) were from urban, and 22 (44%) were from rural. 25(50%) of the categories begin school at 3-5yrs followed by 20(40%) who begin at 1-3yrs with least being 5(10%) who begin at 5 -8yrs and none was found to begin kindergarten at 8-10yrs.  The majority, 38 (76%), had other allergic-related diseases. Most of the categories, 20(53%) had pneumonia, 10 (26%) had asthma, and 8 (21%) had allergic rhinitis. 28(56%) had food allergy.

 Conclusions:

Age at which children commence school increases environmental exposures to a high burden of comorbid allergic conditions, especially pneumonia and asthma.

 Recommendations:

The Ministry of Health and Wakiso District Health Office should develop and disseminate simplified educational materials on AD prevention and management, like the importance of moisturising and avoiding harsh soaps through the maternal and child health clinics.