Prevalence and sociodemographic variation of allergic diseases in Australia: findings from the Australian National Health Survey

<p dir="ltr"><b>Objectives</b></p><p dir="ltr">To describe the prevalence and distribution of food and drug allergy, and allergic rhinitis in Australia, and examine differences by sociodemographic factors.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Design</b></p><p dir="ltr">Cross-sectional national survey.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Setting, participants</b></p><p dir="ltr">The 2022 Australian National Health 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.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Main outcome measures</b></p><p dir="ltr">Food allergy, drug allergy, and allergic rhinitis were captured as self- or parent-reported long-term health conditions, defined as a medical condition current at the time of interview which had lasted or was expected to last ³ 6 months. Prevalence was calculated using population data from the Australian 2021 Census.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Results</b></p><p dir="ltr">The prevalence of self-reported allergic rhinitis in Australia was 23.9% (95%CI: 23.1-24.8%), self-reported food allergy was 7.0% (95%CI: 6.5-7.5%), and self-reported drug allergy was 5.2% (95%CI: 4.7-5.6%). Food allergy prevalence was similar across childhood and adulthood, whereas the prevalence of allergic rhinitis increased during early adulthood, and drug allergy was more common in later adulthood. Higher rates of food allergy and allergic rhinitis were reported in the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria, and among individuals with more advantaged socio-economic status. In contrast, a higher prevalence of drug allergy was observed in Western Australia and Tasmania, though socio-economic variation was not clear. In general, reported allergic diseases were less commonly reported by First Nations Australians compared to non-indigenous Australians, and by individuals born overseas compared to those born in Australia.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Conclusions</b></p><p dir="ltr">These findings underscore the importance of understanding variability in allergic disease prevalence across population subgroups. The differences may reflect actual prevalence or disparities in disease recognition, reporting or access to diagnostic services. They highlight the need for tailored, equity-focused interventions to reduce disparities and ensure that all individuals have access to timely and accurate allergy care.</p>