Validity of a Telephone Survey for Determining the Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis and its Seasonal Variation in Spain

Abstract

Background Atopic dermatitis is an eczematous disease of the skin with onset during childhood and subsequent flares. The UK Working Party (UKWP) defined the diagnostic criteria normally used for atopic dermatitis. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of atopic dermatitis according to these criteria. Methods This was a 2-phase cross-sectional, epidemiologic computer-assisted telephone survey. Parents of children aged 14 years or less participated in the first phase to determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Spain. In the second phase, 6 months later, parents of children with diagnosis of atopic dermatitis according to the UKWP diagnostic criteria in phase 1 were interviewed to assess seasonal variations in disease activity between the 2 phases. Results In total, 1979 parents participated; 8.6% of the children (95% confidence interval, 7.4%-9.8%) were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis by telephone. Of these, 49.2% had a family history of atopy and 41.3% had been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis by a physician. Diagnosis by the physician and that made by interview agreed in 75.3% of these cases. Of the factors associated with atopic dermatitis, it was found that increased body temperature, periods of stress, dust, use of/contact with wool or fiber clothes, and use of certain soaps and hygiene products showed seasonal variations. Conclusions The estimated prevalence of atopic dermatitis in children between 0 and 14 years old in Spain was 8.6%. Certain factors associated with disease flares showed seasonal variations.