Abstract
Background
Knowledge about the prevalence, risk factors and triggers of allergic disorders among populations of different geographical areas is important for the development of preventative strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, clinical pattern and triggers of allergic disorders among the inhabitants of the rural town, Boshrooye, in Iran.
Methods
A written symptoms questionnaire derived from the standard questionnaire of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) in the Farsi language was used.
Results
The prevalence of atopy, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis and physician-diagnosed asthma was 18.1%, 15.5%, 11.5%, 8.2% and 0.3%, respectively. Rhinorhea, sneezing and nose blockage were the most frequent symptoms among atopic cases (37.7%, 33% and 28.8%, respectively). Dust and pollen were the most important triggers of allergic symptoms.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate a low to moderate prevalence of allergic disorders in a rural area in Iran and emphasize the importance of dust and pollens as the main triggers of allergic symptoms.
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Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the Research Vice-Presidency of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The authors wish to thank all participants in this study for their cooperation.
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The authors disclose any relevant association that might pose a conflict of interest.
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Fereidouni, M., Abolhasani, A., Vahedi, F. et al. A preliminary survey of the prevalence of allergic disorders in a questionnaire-based study in Boshroye, a rural area of Iran. J Public Health 18, 119–121 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-009-0291-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-009-0291-4