Global variations in prevalence of eczema symptoms in children from ISAAC Phase Three.
Publisher: Mosby Inc. Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Issue Date: 2009-12-01 URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10757/625751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.10.009 PubMed ID: 20004783 Abstract Background: In 1999, The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase One reported the prevalence of eczema symptoms in 715,033 children from 154 centers in 56 countries by using standardized epidemiologic tools. Objective: To update the world map of eczema prevalence after 5 to 10 years (ISAAC Phase Three) and include additional data from over 100 new centers. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys using the ISAAC questionnaire on eczema symptoms were completed by adolescents 13 to 14 years old and by parents of children 6 to 7 years old. Current eczema was defined as an itchy flexural rash in the past 12 months and was considered severe eczema if associated with 1 or more nights per week of sleep disturbance. Results: For the age group 6 to 7 years, data on 3...