| dc.description.abstract | Background This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to assess the prevalence of allergic symptoms in the hard-to-reach indigenous population of the Sololá region in Guatemala. Methods A total of 292 participants were enrolled, with an average age of 32 years (ranging from 14 to 77 years old). The study gathered data on symptoms of nasal and skin allergies and background characteristics through a standardized questionnaire, and skin prick tests (SPT) including the allergens, i.e., timothy grass (Phleum pratense), cat (Felis catus), ragweed (Ambrosia), mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), and cockroach (Blattodea) allergens were performed in a subsample (n=91). Results The study revealed that symptoms of nasal and skin allergies were relatively rare, with hay fever (5%), nasal allergies (5%), eczema (8%) and itchy rashes (10%) being the most prevalent allergic diseases. Moreover, the results showed negative SPT for ragweed and house dust mite allergens, with low frequency of SPT positivity observed for timothy grass (8%), cat (2%), and cockroach (1%) allergens. Conclusions The study provides important insights into the prevalence of allergic symptoms and skin prick test positivity in a difficult-to-reach and not previously investigated indigenous population of the Sololá region in Guatemala. It appears the occurrence of allergic symptoms are rare in this population. Furthermore, this pilot study indicates that conducting interviews and SPTs in this population is feasible. | |
