Association between socioeconomic conditions and environmental tobacco smoke exposure with eczema symptoms among teenagers attending school in Soshanguve, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
1
Department of Health Studies, UNISA, Pretoria, South Africa
2
School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1263
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This study investigated the association between socioeconomic conditions and environmental tobacco smoke exposure with eczema symptoms among teenagers attending school in Soshanguve, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2 885 schoolchildren aged 13–14 years from 13 high schools in Soshanguve. Participants completed a validated, modified ISAAC Phase III questionnaire. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression in Stata 18 to identify predictors of eczema symptoms (ES) and eczema ever (EE).
RESULTS:
The prevalence of ES and EE was 26.8% and 23.3%, respectively. Females were more likely to report ES (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.07) and EE (AOR = 1.63). Monthly paracetamol use was strongly associated with both ES and EE (AOR = 2.37). Environmental and household factors increased risk: frequent truck traffic near homes was associated with ES (AOR = 1.26) and EE (AOR = 1.34); cat ownership increased ES risk (AOR = 1.49); dog ownership increased EE risk (AOR = 1.39); and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at home for 16–20 days per month significantly increased the likelihood of EE (AOR = 1.96; p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Socioeconomic conditions, household characteristics, and air pollution–related exposures influence eczema prevalence among teenagers in Soshanguve, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
This study investigated the association between socioeconomic conditions and environmental tobacco smoke exposure with eczema symptoms among teenagers attending school in Soshanguve, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2 885 schoolchildren aged 13–14 years from 13 high schools in Soshanguve. Participants completed a validated, modified ISAAC Phase III questionnaire. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression in Stata 18 to identify predictors of eczema symptoms (ES) and eczema ever (EE).
RESULTS:
The prevalence of ES and EE was 26.8% and 23.3%, respectively. Females were more likely to report ES (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.07) and EE (AOR = 1.63). Monthly paracetamol use was strongly associated with both ES and EE (AOR = 2.37). Environmental and household factors increased risk: frequent truck traffic near homes was associated with ES (AOR = 1.26) and EE (AOR = 1.34); cat ownership increased ES risk (AOR = 1.49); dog ownership increased EE risk (AOR = 1.39); and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at home for 16–20 days per month significantly increased the likelihood of EE (AOR = 1.96; p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Socioeconomic conditions, household characteristics, and air pollution–related exposures influence eczema prevalence among teenagers in Soshanguve, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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