Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms among Students in Kurdistan: a North-west Province of Iran

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD), often called eczema or atopic eczema is a very common skin disease; AD looks different in infants, children, and adults. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the disease in Kurdistan province. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional study using written questionnaires ISAAC  where 4,000 students in two age groups 7-6 and 14 -13 years in the province were using multi-stage sampling was carried out so that the first two floors rural and urban communities in every city and in every school pupil samples were selected based on 8-digit code. Results The prevalence of itchy rashes in the past 6 months, itchy rashes in the past 12 months and rashes at flexural areas were 7.5%, 8.9%, and 10.3%, respectively; the prevalence was higher in 13-14 years old than 6-7 years old and was higher in boys than in girls(Odds Ratio (OR)=1.44, Confidence interval (CI)= 1.49-2, P <0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of itchy rashes in the past 12 month was 8.9% and it was more prevalent in boys than the girls were and in age group 13-14 years old was higher than in 6-7 years old.

Keywords:

Atopic , Dermatitis , Iran , Students