Prevalence of self-reported allergic conditions in an adult population in Israel

Background: Asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are leading ca uses of chronic diseases in developed countries, with at least one allergic condition troubling 10 to 20% of the general population. The few studies p erformed in Israel determined the prevalence of allergic conditions in sele cted populations (schoolchildren and soldiers); no study representative of the general population has previously been done. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of allergic conditions in the gener al population in Israel and the differences between ethnic and socioeconomi c groups. Method: Using a computer-assisted telephone interview, a telephone question naire was conducted in a representative sample of the general Israeli popul ation. Results: Of the population studied, 14% claimed to have bronchial asthma, 1 4% allergic rhinitis, and 6% other allergic conditions. Prevalence rates we re higher in the Israeli Arab population and in those with low income and l ow education levels. Of those with allergic conditions, 58% were treated by a primary physician, 32% were not treated at all, and only 10% were treate d by a different specialist physician. Conclusions: The prevalence of allergic conditions in this study concurs wi th that found by other studies in developed countries. Allergic conditions are higher in the Israeli Arab population and in those with low income and low education level.