High BMI and Atopy in Ghanaian Schoolchildren
Author Information
Author(s): Larbi Irene A, Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin, Amoah Abena S, Obeng Benedicta B, Wilson Michael D, Yazdanbakhsh Maria, Boakye Daniel A
Primary Institution: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hypothesis
What is the association between high body mass index (BMI) and atopy among schoolchildren living in rural and urban areas of Ghana?
Conclusion
High BMI was not associated with atopy in Ghanaian schoolchildren, but underweight was inversely associated with atopy.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of high BMI was 16% in rural and 10.8% in urban areas.
- Atopy prevalence was 25.1% in rural and 17.8% in urban areas.
- Underweight was inversely associated with atopy with an odds ratio of 0.57.
Takeaway
The study found that being overweight doesn't make kids more likely to have allergies, but being underweight might make them less likely to have allergies.
Methodology
The study used skin prick testing and collected data on anthropometric, parasitological, demographic, and lifestyle information from schoolchildren aged 6-15 years.
Potential Biases
Potential for selection bias due to the response rate and the socioeconomic status of participants.
Limitations
The study had a response rate of 59%, which may introduce selection bias.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6-15 years from rural and urban areas in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.045
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.33-0.99
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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