Asthma, atopy and serious psychological distress: prevalence and risk factors among young people in the Melbourne atopy cohort study

Abstract

Background: While atopic conditions are associated with increased risk of mental health problems, the evidence that a range of allergic conditions are associated with psychological distress in young people is less clear. Methods: We recruited a longitudinal birth cohort study of 620 children with a family history of allergic disease. At the 18-year follow up, atopic sensitization was determined by skin prick testing. Surveys were used to determine psychological distress (Kessler 6), quality of life (SF12), respiratory symptoms and management, presence of current eczema and hay fever. Regression models were used to identify predictors of psychological distress and quality of life, while contr..