Abstract
BackgroundAtopic diseases and behavioural difficulties in children have both been on the rise in recent decades. This study seeks to assess associations between atopic diseases and behavioural difficulties, examining the differences considering child age and how behavioural difficulties were reported (via self-report or parent-report).MethodsData on behavioural difficulties, assessed through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and on atopic diseases, assessed through the participant’s medical history, were available for 2701 study participants aged 3 to 18 years. Associations between atopic diseases and behavioural difficulties were evaluated using linear regression analyses. We split the study sample into two groups. I: 3-to 10-year-olds/parent-reported SDQ (n = 1764), II: 11- to 18-year-olds/parent-reported SDQ (n = 937) and self-reported SDQ (n = 915). All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and socioeconomic status.ResultsIn younger children, atopic dermatitis was strongly associated with higher total difficulties scores, more emotional problems and conduct problems, and more symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention. Parents reported higher total difficulties scores, more emotional problems, and more peer-relationship problems for adolescents with bronchial asthma and other allergies, whereas the adolescents themselves reported more peer relationship problems.ConclusionIn younger children, atopic dermatitis is associated with internalizing and externalizing problems. In adolescents, bronchial asthma and other allergies are associated with a greater level of internalizing problems only. The findings further suggest that parents of adolescents are more likely to perceive associations between atopic diseases and behavioural difficulties than the adolescents themselves.
Highlights
Atopic diseases and behavioural difficulties in children have both been on the rise in recent decades
Concerning behavioural difficulties, the highest total difficulties scores were seen in the adolescent sample with a mean total difficulties score of 10.8 (SD = 5.1)
In both the child sample and the adolescent sample, the lowest scores were seen in the “peer relationship problems” scale
Summary
Atopic diseases and behavioural difficulties in children have both been on the rise in recent decades. Behavioural difficulties are already common and are becoming increasingly prevalent, with 17.2% of children and adolescents in Germany currently affected [6]. Both atopic diseases, especially BA and AD, and behavioural difficulties usually develop during childhood and adolescence [7, 8]. Previous research postulated a higher likelihood for behavioural difficulties in children and adolescents with atopic diseases due to social implications [11], negatively affected brain development [12, 13] or side effects of allergy medication [14]
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