Atopy and asthma in rural Poland: a paradigm for the emergence of childhood respiratory allergies in Europe.

Background: We hypothesized that, in south-west Poland, a 'rural' protective effect on atopy and respiratory allergies would be most pronounced among children but that at all ages would be stronger among those with a rural background.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of the inhabitants (age >5 years, n = 1657) of Sobotka, a town of 4000 people in south-west Poland: and seven neighbouring villages. We measured and analysed responses to skin prick tests (atopy) and to a standard questionnaire (asthma and hayfever).