Prevalencia de síntomas de dermatitis atópica en ni？os y adolescentes en La Habana (2002-2003)

objectives: to determine the prevalence of atopic eczema and to describe its features in children and adolescents of la habana, as well as its relation to asthma and rhinitis. methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted applying the isaac methodology (international study of asthma and allergies in the childhood) adapted to national context. included are 1 803 children (6-7 years) and 3 023 adolescents (13-14 years) from the urban students of playa and marianao municipalities during 2002-2003. information was obtained from interviews with parents of children and adolescents. in analysis authors used the absolute and relative frequency in percentages, odds ratio and its 95 % confidence intervals. results: prevalence accumulated of eczema symptoms was referred in approximately 4 of each 10 children: 38.3 % (ci 33.8-42.7) and in 2 of each 10 adolescents: 22.5 % (ci 20.1-25.0); the present prevalence in children and adolescents was of 22.2 % (ci 19.0-25.5) and 14.1 % (ci 12.4-16.1), respectively. during the first two years of life the 50 % of children start with the symptoms, which were more severe in 2 of each 10 students. the children presenting with symptoms of eczema had four times more risk of rhinitis (or 1.9 ci 95 % 1.1-3.5) or asthma (or 2.4 ci 95 % 1.6-3.6); in adolescents the risk of rhinitis increased up to 5 (or 2.6 ci 95 % 1.4-4.9). conclusions: it was evidenced a high prevalence of atopic dermatitis and its relevance as a health problem. results were a basic guide to compare it with other cities of our country and with those of other regions; allowing to document trends at population scale and to assess the impact of future interventions.