Risk factors of hand-foot-mouth disease among children in Beijing city

Objective To explore the risk factors of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD)in Beijing city and to provide reference for prevention of the disease. Methods A unified questionnaire was used to survey the innate immunity factors and acquired factors,including rearing pattern and living standard,related to HFMD.Statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS 13.0. Results No associations were observed between HFMD and innate immunity.Exposed to individuals with suspected symptoms within 10 days before the medical attendance(odds ratioOR=2.692,P<0.05)was a risk factor.Healthy habits(OR=0.763,P=0.055),having been to hospital within 10 days before the hospitalization (OR=0.587,P=0.005),rearing cats at home(OR=0.339,P=0.035)and having larger living space(20-39 m²/per person:OR=0.466,P<0.05;≥40m²/per person:OR=0.554,P=0.005)were protective factors.There were 62.85% of HFMD cases had been exposed to individuals with suspected symptoms. Conclusion Execpt the isolation of the children with HFMD,improvments of health habits and medical attendance consciousness in vulnerable children in lowincome family,living in bungalow or limited living space are benificial to prevent HFMD in Beijing.