Risk factors and associations with atopic diseases in the pediatric population in Qatar

Asthma is a common noncommunicable disease with public health implications due to the rising number of cases among the pediatric population in Qatar. The objective of the current study is to explore possible risk factors and associations in relation to pediatric asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema cases in Qatar. Using the Global Asthma Network questionnaires, this study sampled 2646 children, of which 1210 were aged 6-7 years and 1436 were aged 13-14 years in addition to 3831 adult parents or guardians. The STROBE guidelines were used to ensure the reporting of this cross-sectional study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to produce the odds ratio for the various risk factors and associated factors, respectively. Multiple associations and risk factors for each of the three diseases were reported. Based on the outcome of a multivariate logistic regression, being born in Qatar was the only risk factor present across all three diseases. Being male, wheezing ever, wheezing after exercise, and having eczema were other risk factors reported for asthma. Being in the older age group, wheezing ever, and having hay fever were other risk factors reported for allergic rhinitis. The study concluded that further evaluation into associated and risk factors for asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema is warranted in the future.