Prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in elementary schools in Sari (Iran)

Background: Allergic diseases including asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and eczema are common chronic diseases in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma, AR and eczema in Sari, Iran. Methods: This study was carried out on all elementary schools selected as a cluster from February 2010 to July 2010 in Sari, North of Iran. A questionnaire was provided according to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol. Asthma, AR, eczema and their combinations were recorded. Results: Out of the 1818 cases, 646 (35%) subjects had allergic disorder 223 (12%) had asthma, 318 (17%) had AR and 105 (6%) had eczema The prevalence of allergic disorder in boys (65%) was higher than the girls (40%) (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results show that around one – third of the elementary school children have allergic disorders. The prevalence in males is higher than the females.