Relationship between Eczema and Self-reported Difficulties Keeping up with School Education: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Eczema is a common chronic disease that affects both children and adults, and may have an adverse impact on school performance, as it is characteristically pruri-tic, and hence may lead to poor concentration and ina-dequate sleep. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between eczema and self-reported difficulties keeping up with school education. The study was based on cross-sectional questionnaire data collec-ted in schools among all 9th graders (15–16 years old) within a Swedish county. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between having eczema and self-reported difficulties keeping up with school education. A total of 2,620 pupils participated (50.1% female). An increased odds ratio (OR) of self-reported difficulties keeping up with school education was found in adolescents with eczema compared with those without eczema after adjustment for sex and family residence (OR 2.13, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.32–3.44), and with additional adjustment for sleeping problems, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, allergy, rhinitis, asthma, and alcohol con-sumption (adjusted OR 1.78, CI 1.05–3.00). Eczema may be a relevant risk factor for difficulty keeping up with school education in adolescents. However, studies that can assess temporality, based in different settings with objective reports of both eczema and self-reported difficulties at school, are needed to con-firm these findings.