Yichao Wang, Jennifer J. Koplin, Janet M. Davies, Constance H. Katelaris, Debra J. Palmer, Jason A. Trubiano, Joy Lee, Michaela Lucas, Michael O′Sullivan, S. L. Vale, Sheryl van Nunen, Troy Wanandy, D. E. Campbell, Kirsten P. Perrett, Rachel L. Peters
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of allergic diseases across the Australian population, in all regions and age groups, is not well documented. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and distribution of five allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, asthma, drug allergy, eczema, and food allergy) and examine differences by sociodemographic factors. METHODS: This study used data from the 2022 cross-sectional Australian National Health Survey. The survey randomly selected a sample of 13,095 households (with 17,093 participants) living in private dwellings in all Australian states and territories. Questionnaires were completed via face-to-face interviews. Allergic rhinitis, asthma, drug allergy, eczema, and food allergy were captured as self- or parent-reported long-term health conditions. Weighted estimates and relative standard errors were extracted and analysed. Prevalence was calculated using population data from the Australian 2021 Census. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported current allergic rhinitis in Australia was 23.9% (95% CI: 23.1%-24.8%), food allergy was 7.0% (95% CI: 6.5%-7.5%), drug allergy was 5.2% (95% CI: 4.7%-5.6%), eczema was 1.6% (95% CI: 1.3%-1.9%), and diagnosed asthma was 10.8% (95% CI: 10.2%-11.5%). Food allergy and asthma prevalence were similar across childhood and adulthood, whereas the prevalence of allergic rhinitis increased sharply during early adulthood. Eczema was more common in childhood, while drug allergy was more common in later adulthood. Higher rates of allergic rhinitis, food allergy, and eczema were reported among individuals with more advantaged socio-economic status. In general, allergic diseases were less commonly reported by Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians, and by individuals born overseas compared to those born in Australia; however, prevalence varied markedly by region of birth, with some regions exhibiting higher reported rates. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a high overall prevalence of allergic diseases in Australia, with variations across populations. The differences across populations may reflect actual prevalence or disparities in disease recognition, reporting, or access to diagnostic services.