Association between allergic diseases and mental health among Japanese adolescents

• Published in: Allergology International 2021-07, Vol.70 (3), p.379-381
• Main Authors: Imai, Takanori, Hirano, Kouichi, Ohzeki, Takehiko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Age Factors; Humans; Hypersensitivity - epidemiology; Japan - epidemiology; Mental Health - statistics & numerical data; Public Health Surveillance
• ISSN: 1323-8930; 1440-1592
• DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2021.01.006

Dear Editor, Allergic diseases affect the mental health of adolescents. Adolescent bronchial asthma is associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety and a higher risk of suicidal ideation and attempts. Adolescents' atopic dermatitis leads to mental health problems, which manifest with worsening of the disease. Thus far, research on the implications for mental health regarding food allergies and allergic rhinitis is scarce. Mental health is influenced by adolescent's' physical characteristics, family, and social environment, and these environments vary between countries. Research on the relationship between allergic diseases and mental health in Japanese adolescents is extremely limited. We conducted a study to determine the mental health of Japanese adolescents with allergies and to generate a rationale for the measures needed in the future. This study was a cross-sectional survey. The subjects were selected from the 2016 and 2018 surveys of the Health Status Surveillance Project of Students conducted by the Japan School Health Association (JSHA) for 12 years.