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Introduction: Global epidemiological studies have revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim: To present the epidemiology of AD, risk factors and co-occurrence of allergic diseases in the Polish population. Material and methods: The present paper is a part of the Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland study. We studied 22 703 participants by ECRHS/ISAAC questionnaire; 18 617 (53.8% female, 24.2% 6-7 y.o., 25.4% 13-14 y.o., 50.4% 20-44 y.o.) completed questionnaires were accepted. Four thousand seven hundred and eighty-three participants (25.7%) have undergone a medical examination. Results: Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 3.91% (6-7 y.o. 5.34%, 13-14 y.o. 4.3%, adults 3.02%), more often in females (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.56-0.77), in the cities (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.61-3.09), in mothers (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.72-2.48) and fathers (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.61-2.49) with atopy, higher education (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.11-2.32) and economic status (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.04-1.74). The highest prevalence was found in Katowice (4.89%) and lowest in rural areas (1.9%). Coexisting AD and allergic rhinitis (AR) was found in 26.17%, AR and asthma in 9.09% and AD, AR and asthma in 14.6%. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by allergologists in 6.5% (6-7 y.o. 8.7%, 13-14 y.o. 9.0%, adults 3.6%). Most diagnoses were made in Poznan (16.76%) and smallest in rural area (3.67%). 78.8% of subjects were diagnosed with AD for the first time although they had earlier experienced its symptoms. Conclusions: Atopic dermatitis prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but the risk factor profile is similar to other countries. Atopic dermatitis is more frequent in well-educated females with atopic parents and high socioeconomic status and who live in a city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood [ ISAAC], The European Community Respiratory Health Survey [ ECRHS]) revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis ( AD). The aim of our study is to present the epidemiology and the risk factors of AD in a Polish population. A total of 18 617 subjects were selected. The sample included respondents in eight cities and one rural area each over 150 000 citizens. The study had two parts: (i) questionnaire survey conducted among all respondents (response rate, 64.4%); and (ii) allergological examination performed among 25.7% with skin prick test ( SPT) with 15 aeroallergens. AD was identified in 3.91% of subjects, more often in females, living in the cities, with a mother and/or father with atopy and with a higher education and higher economic status. Comorbidities of AD were atopic rhinitis ( AR) in 26.17% and AR and asthma in 14.6%. AD was diagnosed by allergologists in 311 subjects (6.5%). Positive SPT occurred in 66.9% persons with AD (house dust mite, 33.1%; grasses/crop plants, 30.6%). Of the patients, 9.5% with perennial versus 9.3% seasonal and 9.6% with polyvalent versus 9.0% monovalent sensitization had AD. AD prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but risk factor profile is similar to other countries. AD is more frequent in female, well-educated individuals, of high socioeconomic status, with atopic parents and who live in a city. Seasonal and monovalent atopy play a more essential role in subjects with AD compared with AR and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Over the last few decades the prevalence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased. This situation makes it necessary to conduct international, standardized, randomized epidemiological studies Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of bronchial asthma in Poland. Material and methods. The study was conducted with the use of a translated and validated questionnaire survey developed for international ECRHS II and ISAAC studies. The study was performed in 9 selected regions in Poland (8 urban regions and 1 rural region). The respondents were obtained from a random multistage selection and they were proportionally stratified on the basis of their PESEL (Identification Number) operator. The completed questionnaires were collected from 18,617 respondents and nearly 25% of them subsequently underwent a medical examination. Results. Asthma was self-reported in 4.72% of the subjects land was diagnosed in 11% of subjects after the ECAP medical examination. Wheezing and whistling during the past 12 months was reported by 12.4% of adults and in the whole life by 18.8% of children 16.1% of adolescents. The association between asthma and allergic rhinitis was declared by 73.6% of patients. Conclusions. Asthma is a prevalent disease in the Polish population and should be considered a significant social problem. Measures for early detection and prevention of asthma should be introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]