The Relationship Between Residences In Urban And Rural Areas With Skin Skewer Test Results

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Introduction

The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma and atopy has been increasing in recent years, particularly in urban areas. Research has shown that environmental factors play a significant role in the development of these conditions, with exposure to certain allergens and pollutants contributing to the risk of developing allergies. In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between residences in urban and rural areas with skin puncture test results in children who have a history of atopy in their families.

Background

Children raised in rural areas have been shown to have a lower incidence of atopy and allergic manifestations compared to those living in urban areas. This has led to the hypothesis that exposure to the agricultural environment may have a protective effect against the development of asthma and atopy. However, not all findings are consistent, and further research is needed to understand the relationship between environmental factors and the development of allergic diseases.

Research Purposes

The primary objective of this study is to determine the relationship between residences in rural and urban areas with the results of skin puncture tests in children who have a history of atopy in their families. Additionally, we aim to identify risk factors that contribute to the development of allergic diseases in children.

Research Methodology

This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design in Karo Regency (rural areas) and Medan City (urban areas), North Sumatra Province, from October to December 2009. Researchers recruited elementary school children who had a history of atopy in their families. The skin puncture test was carried out on the forearm's volar side using eight types of allergens, namely: house dust, house dust mites, cotton, chicken feathers, cat fur, cockroaches, mushrooms, and pollen. Risk factors analyzed included exposure to cigarette smoke, pets, livestock, and the presence of older siblings.

Research Results

A total of 101 children aged between 6-10 years (an average of 8.6 years) participated in this study. Of these, 49 children lived in Simpang Empat and Three Arrows, Karo Regency, while 52 children lived in Medan. Positive skin puncture test results were found higher in urban areas (54.7%) compared to rural areas (45.3%), but not statistically significant (p = 0.52).

The analysis showed that exposure to cigarette smoke and livestock was related to the results of skin puncture tests in children in rural areas (p = 0.03 and p = 0.002), while no significant relationship was found in urban areas. From the multivariate analysis, animal exposure was proven to be a protective factor related to the results of skin puncture test results in children in rural areas (p = 0.004; 95% CI 0.022 to 0.492).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that there is no significant relationship between residences in rural and urban areas with skin puncture test results in children. However, exposure to livestock in rural areas was found as a protective factor that can help reduce the positive risk of skin puncture tests in children. These findings provide a deeper understanding of how environmental factors can play a role in child health and the importance of considering this influence in efforts to prevent allergic diseases.

Implications

The findings of this study have important implications for parents and the community. It is essential for parents to understand the environmental conditions where they live and how this can affect the health of their children in the future. Additionally, policymakers and healthcare professionals should consider the role of environmental factors in the development of allergic diseases and implement strategies to reduce exposure to allergens and pollutants.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a specific region. Additionally, the study only examined the relationship between residences in rural and urban areas with skin puncture test results in children who had a history of atopy in their families. Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the relationship between environmental factors and the development of allergic diseases in children.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to replicate the findings of this study and to explore the relationship between environmental factors and the development of allergic diseases in children. Additionally, researchers should investigate the role of other environmental factors, such as air pollution and exposure to pesticides, in the development of allergic diseases. By understanding the complex relationship between environmental factors and the development of allergic diseases, we can develop effective strategies to prevent and manage these conditions.

References

  • [1] Karo Regency Health Office. (2009). Health Profile of Karo Regency.
  • [2] Medan City Health Office. (2009). Health Profile of Medan City.
  • [3] World Health Organization. (2018). Allergic Diseases: A Global Perspective.
  • [4] National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2019). Environmental Factors and Allergic Diseases.

Appendix

  • Table 1: Demographic characteristics of the study participants
  • Table 2: Results of skin puncture tests in children in rural and urban areas
  • Table 3: Risk factors associated with skin puncture test results in children in rural and urban areas
  • Figure 1: Map of Karo Regency and Medan City, North Sumatra Province
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Residences in Urban and Rural Areas with Skin Puncture Test Results in Children ===========================================================

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The primary objective of this study is to determine the relationship between residences in rural and urban areas with the results of skin puncture tests in children who have a history of atopy in their families.

Q: What is atopy, and how does it relate to allergic diseases?

A: Atopy is a genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases such as asthma, eczema, and rhinitis. Children with a history of atopy in their families are more likely to develop allergic diseases.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The study found that there is no significant relationship between residences in rural and urban areas with skin puncture test results in children. However, exposure to livestock in rural areas was found as a protective factor that can help reduce the positive risk of skin puncture tests in children.

Q: What are the implications of this study for parents and the community?

A: The findings of this study have important implications for parents and the community. It is essential for parents to understand the environmental conditions where they live and how this can affect the health of their children in the future. Additionally, policymakers and healthcare professionals should consider the role of environmental factors in the development of allergic diseases and implement strategies to reduce exposure to allergens and pollutants.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a specific region. Additionally, the study only examined the relationship between residences in rural and urban areas with skin puncture test results in children who had a history of atopy in their families.

Q: What are the future directions for research on this topic?

A: Future studies should aim to replicate the findings of this study and to explore the relationship between environmental factors and the development of allergic diseases in children. Additionally, researchers should investigate the role of other environmental factors, such as air pollution and exposure to pesticides, in the development of allergic diseases.

Q: What are some practical tips for parents to reduce the risk of allergic diseases in their children?

A: Some practical tips for parents to reduce the risk of allergic diseases in their children include:

  • Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke and pollutants
  • Keeping their home clean and dust-free
  • Avoiding exposure to pets and livestock
  • Breastfeeding their child for at least 6 months
  • Introducing solid foods gradually and in small amounts
  • Avoiding exposure to pesticides and other chemicals

Q: What are some resources for parents and healthcare professionals to learn more about allergic diseases and environmental factors?

A: Some resources for parents and healthcare professionals to learn more about allergic diseases and environmental factors include:

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
  • The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) website
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) website

Q: How can parents and healthcare professionals get involved in research on allergic diseases and environmental factors?

A: Parents and healthcare professionals can get involved in research on allergic diseases and environmental factors by:

  • Participating in studies and surveys
  • Providing feedback and input on research proposals
  • Collaborating with researchers on studies and projects
  • Sharing their expertise and knowledge with researchers and policymakers

Q: What are some potential policy implications of this study?

A: The findings of this study have potential policy implications, including:

  • Developing strategies to reduce exposure to allergens and pollutants in urban areas
  • Implementing policies to promote breastfeeding and reduce exposure to cigarette smoke and pollutants
  • Developing education and awareness programs to inform parents and the community about the risks of allergic diseases and environmental factors
  • Investing in research and development of new treatments and prevention strategies for allergic diseases.