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  • Title: Prevalence and determinants of atopy and allergic diseases among school-age children in rural Saskatchewan, Canada.
    Author: Chu LM, Rennie DC, Cockcroft DW, Pahwa P, Dosman J, Hagel L, Karunanayake C, Pickett W, Lawson JA.
    Journal: Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol; 2014 Oct; 113(4):430-9. PubMed ID: 25129487.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: There have been few investigations of farming-related activities or specific characteristics resulting in the associations between those exposures and atopic disease. OBJECTIVE: To study the associations between farm-associated exposures and atopic diseases. METHODS: As part of a longitudinal study of lung health in rural residents, a cross-sectional baseline study was conducted in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. This included an initial survey phase followed by a clinical testing phase. A subsample of 584 children (grades 1-8) completed skin prick testing to assess atopic status. Atopy was defined as a positive reaction to any of 6 allergens (local grasses, wheat dust, cat dander, house dust mite, Alternaria species, or Cladosporium species) of at least 3 mm compared with the negative control. RESULTS: Of those who completed clinical testing, the prevalence of atopy was 19.4%, that of hay fever was 8.8%, and that of eczema was 27.4%. Based on skin prick testing, sensitization was highest for cat dander (8.6%) followed by local grasses (8.2%) and house dust mite (5.1%). After adjustment for potential confounders, home location (farm vs non-farm) was not associated with atopic status. However, livestock farming was protective against atopy (adjusted odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.88). In contrast, current residence on a farm was associated with an increase in the likelihood of hay fever in these children (adjusted odds ratio 3.68, 95% confidence interval 1.29-10.45). Also, regular farming activities in the past year were associated with an increased risk of hay fever. CONCLUSION: In children, livestock exposure has a protective effect on skin prick test positivity, whereas farm living and activities increase the risk of hay fever.
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