Allergic Rhinitis and Eczema in a Population of School Children from the City of Gjilan in Kosovo

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the gender difference in manifestation of clinical symptoms related to allergic rhinitis and eczema in a population of school children aged 13-14 years from the city of Gjilan in Kosovo. Material and method: About 1200 school children aged between 13-14 years, from randomly selected schools, were included in the study, once the passive consent of their parents/guardians had been received. This study covers the data analysis from the questions related to the nose and skin problems (14 out of 53 questions). Results: Prevalence related to allergic rhinitis; a) sneezing, or a runny or blocked nose ever was 34.20% and in the last 12 months it was 25%; and b) hay fever ever was 14.5%. Prevalence related to eczema,; a) itchy rash at any time in the past 12 months was 7.5%; and b) eczema ever in life was 4.2%. Conclusion: This study found a higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms in female children comparing to male, while no significant connection was found between gender and eczema symptoms.