IngentaConnect Breastfeeding and prevalence of allergic diseases in Japanese uni...

Abstract:

Background: Although historical support exists for the concept that breastfeeding might be protective against allergic diseases, contradictory findings have been observed recently.

Objective: To investigate the cumulative prevalence of allergic diseases in Japanese university students and to identify explanatory variables including breastfeeding.

Methods: From March 18, 2003, through March 29, 2005, a total of 9,615 students newly enrolled at the University of Tokyo responded to a written questionnaire on allergic diseases.

Results: Cumulative prevalence of allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma was 47.2%, 17.4%, and 9.3%, respectively. These data were closely correlated, and prevalence of any 1 of the 3 diseases significantly increased the odds for historical prevalence of the other 2 (P < .001). Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-1.7) and maternal (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 2.0-2.5) or paternal (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.4-1.8) history of allergic rhinitis were significant correlates of increased odds for allergic rhinitis. Maternal (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.6-4.5), paternal (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.2-6.6), or sibling (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5-2.4) history of atopic dermatitis was a significant correlate of increased odds for atopic dermatitis. As for asthma, maternal (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 3.0-7.9), paternal (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.3-7.0), or sibling (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.4-4.5) history of asthma was a significant correlate of increased odds. Logistic regression analysis showed no consistent evidence of the effects of breastfeeding on the cumulative prevalence.

Conclusion: The cumulative prevalence of these diseases among young adults revealed that the effect of breastfeeding is negligible when compared with genetic factors.

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Breastfeeding and prevalence of allergic diseases in Japanese university students