RHINITIS IN 6-7 YEAR-OLD CHILDREN - THE I SAAC SURVEY

Within the framework of the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and A llergies in Childhood) survey, the prevalence of rhinitis was compared in children living in Bordeaux and in Strasbourg. Parents of children in the first and second year of primary school responded to a standar dized ISAAC questionnaire. The questions concerned signs of rhinitis d uring the child's life (R), during the last 12 months (R12), signs of rhino-conjunctivitis (RC12), and hay fever (HF). Results were obtained in 3,205 children living in Bordeaux (B) and for 5,492 children in St rasbourg (S). Participation rate was 80% and 84% respectively. Mean ag e of the children was 6.9 years (Strasbourg) and 6,7 years (Bordeaux). Sex ratio was 0.99. Mean prevalence was 26.8% for R, 22.6% for R12, 5 .8% far RC12 and 7.1% for HF. Prevalences of R, R12 and RC were signif icantly higher in boys. There was no significant difference between ch ildren living in Bordeaux or Strasbourg for R, R12 or RC. For HF, ther e was a significant difference (p < 0.0001) between Bordeaux (9%) and Strasbourg (5.9%). Distribution of rhinitis signs during the year show ed a higher frequency in October to February in both cities. In conclu sion, signs of rhinitis occuring during the winter months are predomin ant in Strasbourg and hay fever is predominant in Bordeaux.