Modifiable risk factors for common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) allergy and disease in children: A case-control study

Agnew, Maureen, Banic, Ivana, Lake, Iain R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4407-5357, Goodess, Clare ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7462-4479, Grossi, Carlota M., Jones, Natalia R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4025-2985, Plavec, Davor, Epstein, Michelle and Turkalj, Mirjana (2018) Modifiable risk factors for common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) allergy and disease in children: A case-control study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15 (7). ISSN 1660-4601

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Abstract

Ragweed allergy is a major public health concern. Within Europe, ragweed is an introduced species and research has indicated that the amounts of ragweed pollen are likely to increase over Europe due to climate change, with corresponding increases in ragweed allergy. To address this threat, improving our understanding of predisposing factors for allergic sensitisation to ragweed and disease is necessary, specifically focusing upon factors that are potentially modifiable (i.e., environmental). In this study, a total of 4013 children aged 2–13 years were recruited across Croatia to undergo skin prick tests to determine sensitisation to ragweed and other aeroallergens. A parental questionnaire collected home environment, lifestyle, family and personal medical history, and socioeconomic information. Environmental variables were obtained using Geographical Information Systems and data from nearby pollen, weather, and air pollution stations. Logistic regression was performed (clustered on school) focusing on risk factors for allergic sensitisation and disease. Ragweed sensitisation was strongly associated with ragweed pollen at levels over 5000 grains m–3 year−1 and, above these levels, the risk of sensitisation was 12–16 times greater than in low pollen areas with about 400 grains m–3 year−1. Genetic factors were strongly associated with sensitisation but nearly all potentially modifiable factors were insignificant. This included measures of local land use and proximity to potential sources of ragweed pollen. Rural residence was protective (odds ratio (OR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–0.98), but the factors underlying this association were unclear. Being sensitised to ragweed doubled (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.59–2.96) the risk of rhinoconjunctivitis. No other potentially modifiable risk factors were associated with rhinoconjunctivitis. Ragweed sensitisation was strongly associated with ragweed pollen, and sensitisation was significantly associated with rhinoconjunctivitis. Apart from ragweed pollen levels, few other potentially modifiable factors were significantly associated with ragweed sensitisation. Hence, strategies to lower the risk of sensitisation should focus upon ragweed control.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: ragweed,allergy,climate change,rhinoconjunctivitis,sensitization,ambrosia artemisiifolia,sdg 3 - good health and well-being,sdg 13 - climate action,sdg 15 - life on land ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
University of East Anglia Research Groups/Centres > Theme - ClimateUEA
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Climatic Research Unit
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Environmental Social Sciences
University of East Anglia Schools > Faculty of Science > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion
Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 26 Jun 2018 11:30
Last Modified: 09 Oct 2024 13:34
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/67459
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071339

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