The prevalence of atopic dermatitis and the effect of breastfeeding on atopic dermatitis among Saudi infants aged up to six months in the Al Madinah region

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition in infants, and breastfeeding has been proposed as a potential protective factor. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of AD in infants based on guardians' reports and the impact of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and formula feeding on the incidence of AD among Saudi infants in the Al Madinah region. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 200 mothers with infants was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Data collected included demographics, breastfeeding practices, infant characteristics, allergies, and AD diagnosis. Statistical analysis employed chi-square. Results: There were a total of 200 infants, out of which 145 (72.5%) had AD, as confirmed by pediatricians. Gender was significantly associated with the prevalence of AD. Based on their nutritional source, 62 (42.8%) were on EBF, and 83 (57.2%) were non-EBF. Infant nutrition was found to be significantly associated with the hospitalization time of infants because of AD. Other AD risk factors, such as parental allergies, feeding frequencies, and frequency of AD episodes, were not significantly associated with the type of feeding. Conclusions: This study found that AD is quite prevalent in the Al Madinah region of Saudi Arabia. AD was more prevalent in male infants than in females. It suggests that EBF may be a protective factor against hospitalization of Saudi infants because of AD.