To assess the prevalence of eczema and the contribution of various risk factors in 6-7 yr-old schoolchildren in Denizli, Turkey.

A total of 3000 children aged 6-7 years in 26 primary schools in different regions of central Denizli were surveyed via the Turkish translated ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire completed by the parents to establish the incidence and the relating risk factors of eczema. Comparisons between groups were performed with the chi-square test. The results obtained for each doctor-diagnosed atopic eczema were presented as odd ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). The statistical analysis was made with the SPSS program.

A total of 2467 of the questionnaires were completed, an overall response rate of 82.23%. The prevalence of chronic itch rash ever, chronic rash in the past year, doctor-diagnosed eczema were 11.3%, 8.2%, 2.8%, respectively. Family history of atopy, food allergy, mother smoking, smoking during pregnancy, adenoidectomy, attending to day-care center, history of measles and/or pertussis were significant risk factors for eczema.

Family history of atopy was the most prominent risk factor for eczema. Mother smoking, smoking during pregnancy, adenoidectomy also affect the prevalence of eczema.