[The prevalence of symptoms of allergic diseases among younger school children in Medimurje County (ISAAC Phase I)].

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjuctivitis and atopic eczema symptoms in the Medimurje County in Northwest Croatia.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

The study was undertaken between January and April 2005 among school children in 27 randomly selected elementary schools. Data were collected using standardized ISAAC written questionnaire Phase I.

RESULTS

A total of 3106 children participated in the study (7-9 yrs) with response rate 96.94%. 712 (22.9%) children had symptoms of allergic diseases at some time in their life. Estimated lifetime (ever) prevalence rates of symptoms were: wheezing 14.91%, allergic rhinitis symptoms 8.88% and atopic dermatitis symptoms 10.66%. Estimated 12-month prevalence rates were: wheezing 6.92%, allergic rhinitis symptoms 8.40%, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis 4.67%, and atopic dermatitis symptoms 5.76%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that Medimurje County is an area with moderate prevalence of atopic disease symptoms among the pediatric population.