Abstract

The aetiology of atopic dermatitis remains poorly understood in Namibia despite considerable research in other developing and developed countries. Although there is growing knowledge about factors that may predispose to the onset of atopic dermatitis (AD), as well as factors which may exacerbate existing disease among school children in Namibia very little is known about the epidemiology of atopic dermatitis (AD), and studies from Southern Africa and Namibia in particular are limited. The researcher sought to investigate the frequency, and perceived risk factors associated with AD, asthma, rhinitis and dermatitis in children living the Khomas region, Namibia. The study adopted The International Study of Asthma and Allergies (ISAAC) in Childhood Phase II questionnaire to survey a representative sample of children ≤ 12 years old in the Khomas Region. The results of laboratory tests were reviewed by pathologists and parents completed a standardized questionnaire with the assistance of a registered Medical Officer. The study found that Atopic diseases, including allergies rhinitis, allergic dermatitis and asthma were common in Khomas region school children based on parental reports. Prevalence rates were between 20% and 78%. Atopic dermatitis was common in Khomas Region and prevalence rates were 80.0% and 72.0% for AD ever and current AD, respectively. The findings of this study revealed that a small percentage (21.4%) of the children aged ≤ 12 years had experienced symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

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