What is the national prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Ethiopia?
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. In Ethiopia, there was no clear national estimate of how common AD is until a recent systematic review and meta-analysis pooled data from multiple studies. The review found that about 12.75% of the population has AD, meaning it affects roughly 1 in 8 people. However, prevalence varies by region, with higher rates in urban areas like Addis Ababa.
What the research says
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis combined data from 10 observational studies involving 25,920 participants to estimate the national prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Ethiopia 19. The overall pooled prevalence was 12.75% (95% CI 8.32 to 17.17%) 19. This means that, on average, about 13 out of every 100 people in Ethiopia have AD.
Regional differences were notable. The prevalence was 7% in the Oromia region, 17% in the Amhara region, and 20% in Addis Ababa city administration 19. This urban-rural gradient is consistent with an earlier study from 2004 in Jimma, southwestern Ethiopia, which found a lifetime cumulative prevalence of AD symptoms of 1.5% in urban areas versus 0.3% in rural areas 10. That study also reported that living in a house with brick walls (rather than mud) and exposure to cigarette smoke as a child were linked to higher risk of AD symptoms 10.
A more recent 2025 study among children attending dermatology clinics in Bahirdar, northwest Ethiopia, found a much higher magnitude of AD in that specific clinical population 11. However, this facility-based study is not directly comparable to the general population estimates from the meta-analysis.
Overall, the evidence indicates that atopic dermatitis is a significant health concern in Ethiopia, with prevalence varying by region and urbanization. The pooled national estimate of 12.75% provides a useful benchmark for public health planning.
What to ask your doctor
- What is my personal risk of atopic dermatitis based on where I live in Ethiopia?
- Are there any local studies or data on atopic dermatitis prevalence in my specific region?
- What environmental factors (like housing type or smoke exposure) might increase my or my child's risk of developing atopic dermatitis?
- What are the best treatment options available in Ethiopia for managing atopic dermatitis symptoms?
- How can I tell if my child's itchy skin is atopic dermatitis or another condition?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Allergy & Immunology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.