Abstract
Aim. Urbanization and globalization in the Middle East have resulted in drastic environmental changes and increased allergens present in the environment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of allergies among undergraduate students from a university. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional survey was carried out among undergraduate students of a University at Ajman, UAE. A self-administered questionnaire was used as research instrument for data collection. The demographic data and the allergy characteristics were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 19. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Results. A total of 255 students (33.3% males; 66.7% females) were included. Commonest allergies among the students were allergic conjunctivitis (104 (40.8%)), allergic dermatitis (89 (34.9%)), and eczema (38 (14.9%)). Family history of allergies was strongly associated with occurrence of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic dermatitis. In about 58 (22%) of the students, dust was the most common triggering factor for allergies. Allergies associated with pollen, food, and drugs were less frequent. The distribution of allergies based on gender revealed female preponderance in all types of allergies. Students with allergies reported interference with their daily activities, and academic, social, and extracurricular activities. Conclusions. Allergic conjunctivitis and allergic dermatitis were the frequent allergies reported. Adequate preventive strategies can crumb the prevalence of allergies.
Highlights
Atopic diseases have a wide range of manifestations across the globe, imposing heavy social and economic burden due to their chronicity and effects on various functions of the body [1]
The common allergies self-reported by the students included allergic conjunctivitis 104 (40.8%), allergic dermatitis 89 (34.9%), and eczema 38 (14.9%)
Allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis were coexistent in 53 students (20.7%) and combination of allergic dermatitis and rhinitis was coexistent in 40 (15.7%) students
Summary
Atopic diseases have a wide range of manifestations across the globe, imposing heavy social and economic burden due to their chronicity and effects on various functions of the body [1]. Allergies during college years impact the quality of life by interfering with the daily activities, poor attendance to college, sleep disturbances, and inability to perform academical as well as extracurricular activities. Studies have documented that allergies are more common in the urban and industrialized societies than the less industrialized regions [2]. Von Hertzen and Haahtela from Finland, reported an increase in the occurrence of allergies among individuals living in the city [3]. Previous studies carried out in the UAE revealed a prevalence rate of 7.3% of asthma and allergic rhinitis and were caused mainly by pollen, mould spores, and dust mite allergens in the air. Prevalence of food allergy among children in UAE is 8% with a significant association with family history [4]
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