Objective: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of chronic allergic diseases before and after the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2019 and 2021.
Data sources: A representative sample of Korean adults (n = 10,346) aged 19-85 years who completed the survey in 2019 and 2021 was analyzed.
Study selection: General and health-related characteristics, as well as the prevalence and diagnosis of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, were compared between the two years. Sub-analyses by gender and age were also conducted.
Results: Statistically significant differences were found in marital status, subjective health perception, sleep quality, and walking status between 2019 and 2021. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence and diagnosis of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. In a sub-analysis by gender and age, the prevalence of asthma in teenagers showed a statistically significant increase in 2021 compared to 2019, while it decreased significantly in the 30s group.
Conclusion: This study found no significant changes in the prevalence and diagnosis of chronic allergic diseases before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. However, changes in lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and sleep quality, were observed. Further research on the relationship between COVID-19 and chronic allergic diseases is necessary, and healthcare providers should consider lifestyle changes in their treatment of chronic allergic disease patients during the pandemic.
Keywords: COVID-19; Korea; chronic allergic diseases; health behaviors; prevalence.