Primal Health Databank: Study
| Entry No: | 0213 |
| Title: | Family structure, neonatal infection, and hay fever in adolescence |
| Author(s): | Strachan DP, Taylor EM, Carpenter RG |
| Reference: | Arch Dis Child 1996; 74: 422-426 |
| Place of Study: | Sheffield, UK |
| Abstract: | 11,765 babies born since 1975 in Sheffield have been visited by a health visitor at one month of age to identify those at risk of sudden infant death. The authors describe a longitudinal study created by linking these health visitor records to data from a survey from allergic disease among teenagers throughout Sheffield. A history of hayfever and family structure was obtained via postal questionnaire. 723 children underwent skin prick testing with mixed grass pollen extract. The prevalance of hay fever was reduced (p<0.0001) among children of younger mothers and those from larger families. The number of older siblings exerted a stronger effect than the number of younger siblings. Infants breastfed exclusively during the first month were at higher risk (p<0.05) of subsequent hay fever. Adolescents at higher risk of hay fever by virtue of their family structure were more likely to be sensitised to grass pollen (p<0.002). No significant relationships occurred between hay fever and infection in the first month after birth |
| Keyword(s): | allergic disease, atopic diseases, family structure, hay fever, infant feeding, neonatal infection |
| Discussion: | See study 0214 for comparative comment. |
| See Also: | 0214 |
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