Assessment of Adherence to House Dust Mite Avoidance Strategies in Patients with House Dust Mite Allergy
Abstract
Background: House dust mite (HDM) allergy is a significant public health problem affecting both children and adults. Adherence to environmental control measures varies among patients. This study aimed to evaluate compliance with mite avoidance measures in the homes of families with HDM allergy.
Materials and Methods: This study included families of 203 children [132 boys, 71 girls; median age, 9.6 years; interquartile range (IQR), 6-13 years] with HDM allergy. Data on demographics, home environment, and adherence to HDM avoidance measures were collected through questionnaires. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the presence of concomitant cat or pollen allergy, duration of HDM allergy, and sex.
Results: High adherence was observed for low-cost, simple measures, including daily ventilation of the child's room (98%), storage of clothes in closed closets (96.6%), and weekly washing of bed linens at 60°C (93.6%). In contrast, adherence was lower for more costly resource-intensive measures, such as dust mite–proof bedding (41.9%) and complete carpet removal (12.3%). Vacuuming frequency increased significantly after diagnosis (median, 3 to 7 days a week; p<0.001). Notably, 26.1% of families lacked knowledge about mite-proof bedding and 11.3% about HEPA-filter vacuum cleaners. Discontinuation of carpets and curtains was more common in patients with a disease duration longer than 12 months. Educational brochures provided by the clinic were reported to be helpful by 83.7% of families.
Conclusions: Families of children with HDM allergy demonstrate high adherence to simple, low-cost avoidance measures, particularly bedroom-related interventions. However, cost and limited awareness remain key barriers to the adoption of more intensive, resource-intensive strategies.
Keywords
Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Zuhal Karalı
*
0000-0002-4568-0121
Türkiye
Yasin Karalı
0000-0002-1245-4232
Türkiye
Şükrü Çekiç
0000-0002-9574-1842
Türkiye
Publication Date
March 27, 2026
Submission Date
February 3, 2026
Acceptance Date
March 10, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 23 Number: 1