[Analysis of risk factors for allergic rhinitis in preschool children with multiple allergic diseases in Guangzhou City].

This study aims to analyze the differentiating factors between only allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis combined with other allergic diseases in pre-school children and to explore the impact of relevant family and maternal factors during pregnancy on pediatric allergic diseases.The study employed an epidemiological cross-sectional survey design, conducted from January to June 2022 at the Helong Street Health Service Center in Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, China. This cross-sectional investigation focused on 15 preschool education centers within the jurisdiction. It encompassed a total of 4 661 pre-school children aged 3-6 years within the district, resulting in the collection of 3 437 valid questionnaires. The study utilized an online survey, covering aspects such as children's birth conditions, early living environment, maternal lifestyle and emotional state during pregnancy, and paternal information. The questionnaire was designed by an expert team and incorporated advanced logic functions to ensure data accuracy. Diagnosis of allergic diseases included evaluation of symptoms such as rhinitis, asthma, eczema and along with collecting family member's allergy information. Factors like maternal emotional stress during pregnancy, premature birth, and breastfeeding were also considered. The analysis of frequency differences between groups was conducted using the Chi-square test. The distribution differences between two groups were examined using the -test or Mann-Whitney test. Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for the occurrence of allergic diseases. To illustrate the distribution and co-occurrence of different allergic diseases in children, upset plots were created. Furthermore, forest plots were utilized to analyze the risk factors. The study included 455 children with only allergic rhinitis and 759 children with rhinitis combined with other allergic diseases. The results showed no significant demographic differences between the two groups. Logistic model results indicated that children with allergic rhinitis who had suffered from severe eczema within the first 12 months had a (95%):19.818 times (2.670-147.095) higher probability of developing combined allergic diseases than those without eczema, while the probability increased 2.345 times (1.825-3.013) for those with mild to moderate eczema. A higher level of maternal education was also identified as a risk factor, increasing the risk by about 1.5 times. Additionally, the risk of developing combined allergic diseases in children with one allergic parent was (95%):1.662 times (1.273-2.170) higher than in those with non-allergic parents, and 2.181 times (1.504-3.163) higher if both parents had allergies. Moreover, negative maternal emotional stress during pregnancy was more significant in children with combined allergic diseases. In conclusion, severe eczema in the first 12 months, mild to moderate eczema; allergies in one or both parents; parents' educational level, household disposable income level; firstborn status; and negative maternal emotions during pregnancy are risk factors for children with allergic rhinitis combined with other allergic diseases.