Original Article
  

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma and Allergic Diseases Among Working Adolescents: ISAAC Phase III

Abstract

Working adolescents are exposed to occupational and environmental risk factors that may influence allergic disease development. Epidemiological data on this vulnerable population remain limited. To examine temporal trends in the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases and identify associated risk factors among working adolescents.

Two repeated cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2008 (n=353) and 2013 (n=554) at a vocational training center in Istanbul, Türkiye, using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) methodology. Physician-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were assessed using the standardized Turkish version of the ISAAC questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors.

Between 2008 and 2013, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma increased from 2.8% to 6.9%, that of allergic rhinitis increased from 2.5% to 9.0%, and that of atopic dermatitis from 3.1% to 8.1%. In multivariable analyses, familial allergy was associated with all 3 conditions and regular smoking was associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Male sex was associated with a lower likelihood of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Employment in the hairdressing sector was strongly associated with atopic dermatitis (adjusted odds ratio, 24.05; 95% confidence interval, 3.27–176.74).

The prevalence of allergic diseases increased substantially among working adolescents over 5 years. A family history of allergy, smoking, and hairdressing employment emerged as key risk factors. Targeted preventive strategies addressing modifiable behavioral and occupational exposures are warranted for this vulnerable population.

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Keywords
Adolescent Allergic Asthma Atopic Dermatitis Occupational exposure Prevalence Rhinitis
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How to Cite
1.
Karacabey B, Hakan Gedik A, Çakır E, Varol N, Karadağ B, Ersu R, Karakoç F, Dağlı E. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma and Allergic Diseases Among Working Adolescents: ISAAC Phase III. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2026;:1-15.