Search

Objectives: Prevalence studies of atopic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, hay fever and allergic asthma have mostly been performed in children. Studies in the adult population are still rare.We estimated the lifetime prevalence of atopic diseases in an elderly population in Saarland, Germany, and determined the association between the duration of school education (as a proxy measure of socio-economic status) and atopic diseases. Family history and size of residence with respect to atopic diseases have also been examined. Methods: This study was conducted between June 2000 and December 2002 in the State of Saarland, Germany. 9961 participants aged 50 to 75 years were recruited by their general practitioner. All filled out a standardized questionnaire and reported whether a physician ever had diagnosed an atopic disease (hay fever, atopic dermatitis or asthma). Results: Overall, 9949 subjects (mean age 62 yrs., 45 % male) were included in this analysis. The lifetime prevalence for asthma, atopic dermatitis and hay fever was 5.5%, 4.3% and 8.3%, respectively. Duration of school education (≤9 years, 10–11 years, >11 years) was strongly associated with atopic dermatitis and hay fever, but only tentatively with asthma. With increasing duration of school education the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (3.7%, 5.7%, 6.8%; P trend <.0001) and hay fever (7.2%, 11.2%, 12.8%; P trend <.0001) increased continuously. Conclusions: The lifetime prevalence for atopic dermatitis is considerably lower in the elderly compared to recent studies on prevalence among children and adolescents. Adults with a longer duration of school education appeared to have a higher risk for atopic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]