Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Allergy Indicators in Adults: A
Retrospective Study from 2018 to 2023
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on
allergy indicators in adult patients. We analyzed 8015 tIgE and 34,163
allergen detection results from 2018 to 2023. Patients were categorized
into pre-pandemic (2018-2019), pandemic-period (2020-2022), and
post-pandemic (2023) groups. Group comparisons and logistic regression
analyses examined the relationship between relevant factors and tIgE
positivity rates. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)
using propensity scores was applied to address baseline imbalances. The
findings demonstrated consistent conclusions for both tIgE and allergen
detection. The tIgE positivity rates and levels were significantly lower
during and after the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that
the pandemic and post-pandemic periods were associated with a reduced
risk of tIgE positivity, with the pandemic period exhibiting a more
pronounced effect. After IPTW adjustment, for tIgE, the pandemic and
post-pandemic periods were associated with reduced tIgE positivity (OR =
0.436 and 0.465, respectively; P < 0.001). For tIgE related to
allergen detection, the pandemic and post-pandemic periods were
associated with reduced tIgE positivity (OR = 0.733 and 0.817,
respectively; P < 0.001). Additionally, allergen detection
results indicated that indoor inhaled allergens, such as cat and dog
hair dander, had increased positivity rates, while outdoor allergens
such as Artemisia argyi and ragweed showed decreased positivity rates.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly improved allergy indicators among
adults, likely due to lifestyle changes such as increased mask-wearing
and reduced outdoor activities.