Author(s): MIJIN, K., Institution: SAITAMA JUNSHIN COLLEGE, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 302

INTRODUCTION:
Allergic diseases are a major global public health concern and represent a substantial disease burden in both Japan and Korea. Atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and bronchial asthma frequently develop in early childhood, and the risk of the so-called “allergic march,” in which multiple allergic conditions coexist, has been widely reported. Although physical activity may alleviate allergic symptoms, children with allergic diseases may experience restricted play because of symptoms and parental concerns. Such restrictions may reduce physical activity, hinder physical fitness development, and increase obesity risk. Therefore, examining how allergic diseases influence play behavior and physical fitness through a cross-national comparison between Japan and Korea may provide important insights for developing appropriate support strategies. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of allergic diseases among preschool children in Japan and Korea and to examine how allergic disease status is associated with play behavior and physical fitness.
METHODS:
Participants were 232 preschool children aged 3–5 years in Japan (118 boys, 114 girls) and 245 in Korea (120 boys, 125 girls). Data on allergic disease status and daily play behaviors were collected using parent questionnaires. Physical fitness was assessed using the MKS Preschool Motor Ability Test, including a 25-m run, standing long jump, tennis ball throw, consecutive two-foot jumps, body support time, and ball catching. Chi-square tests examined associations between allergic diseases and play behaviors, and independent t-tests examined associations with physical fitness. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
In Japan, allergic disease prevalence was 28.4% in boys and 20.4% in girls, with no significant sex difference. In Korea, prevalence was significantly higher in boys (38.7%) than in girls (24.0%) (p < 0.05). In both countries, the most common allergic diseases were allergic rhinitis, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis, followed by bronchial asthma in Japan and allergic conjunctivitis in Korea. In Korea, children with allergic diseases were more often rated as “very active” (77.0%) than those without allergic diseases (56.4%) (p < 0.01), suggesting relatively mild symptoms. In Japan, children with allergic diseases were less likely to report a strong preference for outdoor play (58.8% vs. 75.3%, p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between allergic disease status and type of play or physical fitness in either country.
CONCLUSION:
These findings indicate that allergic diseases in early childhood may influence qualitative aspects of behavior, such as activity level and preference for outdoor play, rather than play type or physical fitness. The patterns differed between Japan and Korea: children with allergic diseases were more active in Korea, whereas they tended to be less enthusiastic about outdoor play in Japan. These results highlight the importance of providing exercise and play environments tailored to each country’s cultural and living contexts to better support young children with allergic diseases.