Prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis and their association with risk factors in children in the southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Objective: In underdeveloped countries, allergic disease prevalence is low but rising in developing countries, while in developed countries, it remains high and stable. This study assessed prevalence and risk factors among schoolchildren in southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Methods: A cross-sectional study (2020) included 1851 children: 937 aged 6-8 years and 914 aged 11-13 years. Data related to asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and associated risk factors were collected using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire.

Results: Diagnosed asthma prevalence was 1.8% in children aged 6-8 years and 2.4% in 11-13 years. Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed in 5.5 and 10.4%, respectively, significantly higher in older children (p < 0.001). Atopic dermatitis prevalence was 16.6% in 6-8 years and 11.8% in 11-13 years, higher in younger children (p = 0.003). Asthma and allergic rhinitis were more common in boys, while atopic dermatitis was more frequent in girls. Asthma was negatively associated with egg consumption and daycare attendance, while furry animal contact, synthetic pillows, and maternal allergic rhinitis increased risk. Allergic rhinitis was associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy, parental allergic rhinitis, and bird contact. Atopic dermatitis was positively related to maternal atopic dermatitis, bird contact, air conditioning, and daycare attendance, whereas sponge pillow use, room sharing, and dog contact appeared protective.

Conclusion: In this region, asthma prevalence was low, allergic rhinitis moderate, and atopic dermatitis high. Broader studies across BiH are needed to monitor trends and guide prevention.