Trends in allergic sensitization and diseases in the Korean general population over a 9-year period.

Objectives: The prevalence of allergic sensitization and diseases varies over time owing to climate, environment, and lifestyle changes. To analyze changes in sensitization to house dust mites (HDM) and dogs and the prevalence of allergic diseases in the Korean general population over a 9-year period and identify contributing factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2010 and 2019. Participants were aged ≥10 years, with the analysis stratified by adolescents (10-18 years) and adults (≥19 years). We evaluated the prevalence of allergic sensitization and diseases, examining links to clinicodemographic factors, across the two years. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between sensitization and clinicopathological factors.

Results: In total, 4084 participants (2010: n=2,019; 2019: n=2,065) were enrolled. In 2010, HDM sensitization was 36.9%, declining to 36.6% in 2019. Dog sensitization decreased from 6.1% in 2010 to 5.8% in 2019. There were no significant differences between the two years in total participants; however, dog sensitization increased significantly among adolescents (2010: 8.7% vs. 2019: 15.3%; p=.027). In 2010, HDM sensitization was negatively associated with urban residence (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.76 [0.60-0.96]) and apartment dwelling (0.78 [0.64-0.95]), without significance in 2019. In adolescents, dog sensitization was strongly correlated with urban residence (8.06 [1.53-42.49]) in 2010, whereas HDM sensitization was associated with obesity (2.02 [1.04- 3.91]) in 2019. In adults, heavy drinking was linked to dog sensitization (2.35 [1.20-4.62]) in 2010, and HDM sensitization in 2019 (1.44 [1.03-2.02]).

Conclusion: : The prevalence of HDM sensitization remained stable over 9 years, with an increase in dog sensitization among adolescents. Factors associated sensitization differed between age groups and years. Understanding these trends and related factors in the general population can inform healthcare providers in developing new strategies to reduce allergic sensitization and diseases.