Prevalence Of Self-reported Food Allergy Research Articles

Prevalence and influencing factors on food allergy among children aged 0-5 years in China

Objective: To describe the prevalence of food allergy among children aged 0-5 years in China and to explore related influencing factors. Methods: Multistage stratified random sampling method was used to collect data from 275 surveillance sites of the China National Nutrition and Health Survey of Chinese children and lactating mothers programs in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) of China in 2016-2017. A total of 70 107 participants aged 0-5 years were included in this study. The study collected information of participants' demographic characteristics and food allergies by face-to-face questionnaire. The prevalence of food allergy was analyzed, using the complex data weighting method. The logistic regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors related to food allergy. Results: The overall prevalence of self-reported food allergy among children aged 0-5 years was 4.81%. Prevalence rates in infants aged 0-5 months, and 6-23 months and preschool children aged 2-5 years were 0.81%, 4.68% and 5.26%, respectively. The results of logistic analysis showed that there was a significantly positive correlation between factors including children from 6 months to 5 years old, urban area, southwest area, first-born, mothers with college education or above, and the prevalence of food allergy in children. Shrimp, poultry eggs, crab shellfish, fruit, milk and fish appeared the common allergic foods in children aged 0-5 years, with prevalence rates of self-reported food allergy as 1.55%, 1.25%, 0.99%, 0.97%, 0.87% and 0.86%, respectively. The proportion of single food allergy in children with allergies was 69.85%. Conclusions: Among children aged 0-5 years, the prevalence of self-reported food allergy increases with age, in China. Foods that is prone to allergies include fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, poultry eggs, milk and fruits, etc. Most allergies were only caused by single food in children, under observation.

A survey on prevalence and parents’ perceptions of food allergy in 3- to 16-year-old children in Wuhan, China

BackgroundThe prevalence of food allergy (FA) has risen in recent decades, yet there is limited data on the cognition and beliefs of FA among the parents of FA children. ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of FA and assess the knowledge and perception of FA among parents of FA children in Wuhan, China. MethodsOnline questionnaires were conducted for the parents of 3- to 16-year-old children. They reported symptoms of suspected FA in the screening questionnaire were interviewed for further diagnostic evaluation. All the parents of the suspected FA children completed the subsequent assessments of the knowledge and perception on FA as well as their attitude towards the current online platforms. ResultsA total of 1963 children were recruited. The prevalence of self-reported FA was 10.2% (95% CI: 8.1–12.4%) and the physician-diagnosed FA was 6.2% (95% CI: 5.1–7.2%) in 3- to 16-year-olds in Wuhan. And the children with family history (57.9%) were predisposed to developing FA (P＜0.001). The total Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) score was 41.3 ± 10.0 among the parents. The B-IPQ scores correlated with symptom onset, but not with family history or other atopic comorbidities. The parents who never sought treatments obtained lower B-IPQ scores on most items compared to those who received treatments. The accuracy rate of the FA knowledge questionnaire was 56.7%. 11.6% of participants reported that children's FA had an impact on their lives. 67.2% of participants had searched information of FA online, among whom 80% expected to obtain professional suggestions on management and prevention strategies of FA from online platform. ConclusionIn 3- to 16-year-old children in Wuhan, the prevalence of self-reported and physician-diagnosed FA was 10.2% and 6.2% respectively. Parents’ knowledge of FA was insufficient and only a small proportion of parents perceived that their lives and careers have been affected considerably by FA of their children. Patient education and current online platforms should be improved among parents of FA children.

Prevalence of self-reported food allergy in Tunisia: General trends and probabilistic modeling

BackgroundFood allergy (FA) has become a major public health concern affecting millions of children and adults worldwide. In Tunisia, published data on FA are scarce. MethodsThis study, was intended to fill the gap and estimate the frequency of allergy to different foods in the Sfax region, Tunisia, within self-reported FA. One hundred twenty-five (125) children (56% males, 1–17 years old), and 306 adults (17% males, 18–70 years old) were interviewed using a bilingual questionnaire. ResultsThe number of self-reported food allergens in this sample was 105; allergens were clustered in 8 foods: fruits, seafood, eggs, milk and dairy, cereals, nuts, vegetables, and peanuts. Cutaneous reactions were the most frequent symptoms, in both children and adults. About 40% of children and 30% of adults had a family history of FA. About 81% of adults and 38% of children are allergic to at least 1 non-food allergen. The most prevalent food allergen was the fruit group in both adults and children, followed by seafood. Most food allergies were mutually exclusive and 90% of individuals have a single FA. The relationship between self-declared FA was modeled using a Bayesian network graphical model in order to estimate conditional probabilities of each FA when other FA is present. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the prevalence of self-reported FA in Tunisia depends on dietary habits and food availability since the most frequent allergens are from foods that are highly consumed by the Tunisian population.

Prevalence of self-reported food allergy among adults in Jiangxi, China

BackgroundFood allergy has become an increasingly important public health problem. However, information regarding epidemiological studies of food allergy among Chinese adults is very limited. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of self-reported food allergy among adults in China. MethodA population-based cross-sectional study was administered to estimate the prevalence of self-reported food allergy on the basis of a face-to-face questionnaire survey. The participants were recruited by cluster random sampling from three prefectures in Jiangxi Province, China. ResultsA total of 12 082 questionnaires were distributed, and 11 935 (98.8%) of completed ones were collected. The prevalence of self-reported food allergy was 4.0% (3.1% in men and 4.8% in women), self-reported doctor-diagnosed food allergy accounted for 1.4%. The most common allergic symptom was skin reaction showing in 63.9% of the participants with self-reported food allergy. The main allergic foods were shrimp, mollusks, and mango, accounting for the prevalence of 39.8%, 20.8%, and 18.7%, respectively. The self-reported food allergy was significantly linked with gender, age group, body height and other allergic conditions. ConclusionsThe prevalence of self-reported food allergy is about 4.0% among adults in China. The three most common allergenic foods were shrimp, mollusks and mango. Gender, age, and other allergic diseases could be contributing factors associated with food allergy in adults. These findings will provide scientific basis for the further research and prevention of food allergy in adults.

Epidemiological survey of self-reported food allergy among university students in China.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported food allergy among university students in China.A cluster-random sampling population-based cross-sectional study using self - administrated questionnaire was conducted with 2538 college students recruited from 6 universities in China. The questionnaire included data on age, sex, weight, height, FA, comorbid allergic diseases, family history, and understanding food allergy. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0 statistical software. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors related to self-reported food allergy and estimate the odds ratio.A total of 2538 questionnaires were distributed to the undergraduate students and 2313 completely effective questionnaires were collected, the effective response rate was 91.1%. 834 males and 1479 females were recruited, and their age ranged from 18 to 25 years old. The prevalence of self-reported food allergy was 15.7%, and the rate of doctor-diagnosed food allergy was 8.4%. The leading food allergens included shrimp, shellfish, milk, egg, peach, mango, beef, and peanut, and the prevalence of shrimp allergy was the highest (5.8%). The main clinical manifestation included skin mucous membrane and respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of food allergy were statistically significant difference (P < .05) between different age groups, family history, sun exposure times, smoking, and antibiotic use. Over 45% college students know little about food allergy.The prevalence of self-reported food allergy among Chinese college students was high (15.7%). Shrimp was the main allergenic food, followed by shellfish, milk, egg, peach, and mango. Family history, sun exposure, obesity, and using antibiotics may be the influencing factors of food allergy. The Chinese undergraduates lacked the knowledge about food allergy. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen the health education program on food allergy for college students in China and other middle high-income nations.

Separating Fact from Fiction in the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy

Separating Fact from Fiction in the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy

UPDATE ON FOOD ALLERGIES

Food allergy has been defined as adverse reaction to food in which “immunological mechanism have been demonstrated”. The clinical presentation of food allergy involves a large spectrum of symptoms ranging from skin like urticaria, angioedema, atopic eczema, dermatitis, gastrointestinal (vomiting, colic, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation), respiratory (rhinorrhea, sneezing, cough, dyspnea). According to a recent review the point prevalence of self-reported food allergy is approximately six times higher than challenge food allergy. A proper diagnosis is necessary for a sufficient and safe management. The core stone of diagnosis of food allergy is a careful dietary history. Mostly food allergies are self reported, but also a great number of tests are available. The most widely used tests for food allergies diagnosis are: skin prick tests (SPT), specific IgE (sIgE), component resolved diagnosis (CRD) and the atopy patch test (APT). Besides food avoidance there is also growing interest in the effectiveness of potential immunomodulatory treatment approaches, including sublingual and oral immunotherapy to induce tolerance, particularly for peanut allergy.

Food Allergy in Adults: Substantial Variation in Prevalence and Causative Foods Across Europe

According to the community-based EuroPrevall surveys, prevalence of self-reported food allergy (FA) in adults across Europe ranges from 2% to 37% for any food and 1% to 19% for 24 selected foods. To determine the prevalence of probable FA (symptoms plus specific IgE-sensitization) and challenge-confirmed FA in European adults, along with symptoms and causative foods. In phase I of the EuroPrevall project, a screening questionnaire was sent to a random sample of the general adult population in 8 European centers. Phase II consisted of an extensive questionnaire on reactions to 24 preselected commonly implicated foods, and measurement of specific IgE levels. Multiple imputation was performed to estimate missing symptom and serology information for nonresponders. In the final phase, subjects with probable FA were invited for double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge. Prevalence of probable FA in adults in Athens, Reykjavik, Utrecht, Lodz, Madrid, and Zurich was respectively 0.3%, 1.4%, 2.1%, 2.8%, 3.3%, and 5.6%. Oral allergy symptoms were reported most frequently (81.6%), followed by skin symptoms (38.2%) and rhinoconjunctivitis (29.5%). Hazelnut, peach, and apple were the most common causative foods in Lodz, Utrecht, and Zurich. Peach was also among the top 3 causative foods in Athens and Madrid. Shrimp and fish allergies were relatively common in Madrid and Reykjavik. Of the 55 food challenges performed, 72.8% were classified as positive. FA shows substantial geographical variation in prevalence and causative foods across Europe. Although probable FA is less common than self-reported FA, prevalence still reaches almost 6% in parts of Europe.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Food Allergy in Six Regions of Inner Mongolia, Northern China: A Population-Based Survey.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-reported food allergy in 6 regions of Inner Mongolia, northern China.Material/MethodsA random cluster sampling population study using a field questionnaire was distributed to 4714 individuals in 6 regions within Inner Mongolia, northern China; the study included ethnic Mongol minorities and Chinese Han populations. The questionnaire obtained data on ethnicity, age, sex, level of education, income, socioeconomic status, rural versus urban location, medical and family history, and food allergy.ResultsThere were 4441 (73.5%) completed questionnaires. The prevalence of self-reported food allergy was 18.0% (15.2% men; 20.6% women) and was age-related, being significantly greater in children compared with adults (38.7% vs. 11.9%) (P<0.001). There was a significant difference in self-reported food allergy between rural and urban populations (14.6% vs. 21.4%) (P<0.001) and between Mongolian and Han populations (20.8% vs. 15.8%) (P<0.001). Socioeconomic status, higher education level, and increased family income were significantly correlated with the prevalence of food allergy (P<0.001). Participants with allergic diseases and atopic family history were at increased risk (OR>1, P<0.001). There were no significant associations between the prevalence of food allergy and birth history, infant feeding, and duration of breastfeeding.ConclusionsAn increase in the prevalence of self-reported food allergy was found in the Inner Mongolia region of northern China, which was greater in urban areas compared with rural areas.

Prevalence and clinical features of adverse food reactions in Portuguese adults

BackgroundOnly one previous study, via telephone call, on the prevalence of self-reported food allergies has been performed in Portugal, in a small sample of adults. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-reported and probable food allergy, analyze the clinical features and involved foods in Portuguese adults.MethodsPopulation-based, cross-sectional study performed in various healthcare centres from central Portugal. All 1436 randomly selected individuals (median age: 45 years, 50.6 % female) replied to a validated food allergy questionnaire by phone. Those who reported an adverse food reaction were invited to come to the hospital, where clinical history was taken, skin prick (SPT) and prick-prick skin (SPPT) tests were performed and food allergen-specific IgE levels (sIgE) were determined. An open oral challenge was performed in selected cases. Cases of positive clinical history of immediate (up to 2 h after ingestion) reaction in association with positive food sIgE levels and/or skin prick tests were classified as IgE-associated probable food allergy. Cases of positive clinical history of delayed (more than 2 h after ingestion) and negative food sIgE levels independently of positive SPT or SPPT results were classified as non-IgE associated probable food allergy.ResultsThe prevalence of probable food allergy in our sample was 1 %, with shellfish and fish as the most frequently implicated foods. IgE-mediated probable food allergy occurred in 0.71 % of cases, with shellfish, peanut and nuts mainly involved. Cutaneous symptoms were most frequently reported. Prevalence values and food types were discrepant between self-reported and probable food allergies.ConclusionsThe prevalence of probable food allergies in Portuguese adults is low, is mostly related to shellfish, peanut and nuts and most frequently involves cutaneous symptoms.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13223-016-0139-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Food Allergy in Lebanon: A Middle-Eastern Taste.

Background. Food allergy (FA) is an important health problem in Western countries but there is limited data on the prevalence of food allergy in the Middle East. The main objective of our study is to assess the prevalence of self-reported food allergy in Lebanon. Methods. The survey was conducted by Telephone Calls questionnaire through random selection of landline phone numbers from the white pages all over Lebanon. A study questionnaire addressing the main objectives of the study was filled during the telephone call conversation. Results. Food allergy prevalence is estimated to be 4.1% in infants and children and 3.2% in adults. 65% of patients suffering from food allergy are females and 35% are males. Skin reactions are the most common symptoms among food allergy sufferers, reported in 86% of the cases. Signs of anaphylaxis appeared in 10.8% of cases. Fruits were the most common allergens at 35%, followed by eggs (19%) and nuts (16%). Cow's milk and spices ranked fourth (14%). Only half of food allergy sufferers sought medical advice. Allergists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, or GPs (general practitioners) were consulted. Blood testing for specific IgE was the main diagnostic tool used by physicians. Conclusion. This is a pilot study of self-reported food allergy prevalence in Lebanon based on telephone survey. General prevalence is estimated to be 4.1% in infants and children and 3.2% in adults. Our study may improve awareness for proper diagnosis, food elimination, and acquisition of epinephrine autoinjectors in this part of the world.

Prevalence of self-reported food allergy in U.S. adults: 2001, 2006, and 2010.

Epidemiologic evidence indicates that food allergies are increasing in the population. Information on a change in self-reported food allergy (srFA) in adults over time is lacking. To report the prevalence of srFA and compare differences at three time points over a decade. We analyzed srFA and reported physician-diagnosed food allergy in >4000 U.S. adults who participated in the 2010 U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Survey. Information on causative food(s), reaction severity characteristics, and various diagnostic factors was also analyzed. We compared 2010 Food Safety Survey data with 2006 and 2001 data, and highlighted relevant differences. SrFA prevalence increased significantly, to 13% in 2010 and 14.9% in 2006 compared with 9.1% in 2001 (p < 0.001). Physician diagnosed food allergy was 6.5% in 2010, which was not significantly different compared with 7.6% in 2006 and 5.3% in 2001. SrFA increased in both men and women, non-Hispanic white and black adults, 50-59 year olds, and in adults with a high school or lower education. In 2010, milk, shellfish, and fruits were the most commonly reported food allergens, similar to 2001. Also, in 2010, 15% of reactions reportedly required a hospital visit and 8.4% were treated with epinephrine. Minor differences in reaction severity characteristics were noted among the surveys. Analysis of survey results indicates that the prevalence of srFA increased among U.S. adults from 2001 to 2010 and that adults are increasingly self-reporting FAs without obtaining medical diagnosis. Improved education about food allergies is needed for this risk group.

Access to health care and food in children with food allergy

Access to health care and food in children with food allergy

Temporal trends and racial/ethnic disparity in self-reported pediatric food allergy in the United States

BackgroundThe prevalence of food allergy is thought to be increasing, but data from the United States have not been systematically synthesized. ObjectiveTo summarize the data on prevalence of food allergy in the US pediatric population and to estimate the effects of time, race/ethnicity, and method of assessing food allergy on the estimated prevalence. MethodsEmbase, MEDLINE, bibliographies of identified reports, and data from publically available data sets were searched. Studies were limited to those in English with data from the general pediatric US population. Study synthesis was performed by meta-analysis and meta-regression to estimate the effect of study- and participant-level covariates. Meta-regression was limited to nationally representative surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ResultsA total of 10,090 publications were identified, from which 27 different survey administrations, representing 452,237 children, were identified, covering the period of 1988 to 2011. Because of heterogeneity among surveys in the estimated food allergy prevalence, a summary estimate of food allergy prevalence was not possible. Meta-regression was performed using 20 of these surveys. Temporal trends were pronounced, with an estimated increased prevalence of self-reported food allergy of 1.2 percentage points per decade (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-1.6). The increase per decade varied by race/ethnicity: 2.1% among non-Hispanic blacks (95% CI, 1.5%-2.7%), 1.2% among Hispanics (95% CI, 0.7%-1.7%), and 1.0% among non-Hispanic whites (95% CI, 0.4%-1.6%). ConclusionSelf-report of food allergy among US children has sharply increased in the past 2 decades. The increase has been greatest among non-Hispanic black children, a disparity that needs to be investigated.

Prevalence of Food Allergy and the Sensitization Rates of Food Allergens in School-Aged Children in Jeju

Objectives : This study is to survey school-aged children's prevalence of food allergy and to investigate sensitization rates to common food allergens. Methods : The self-administered questionnaire survey and skin prick tests with 12 food allergens were applied to school children in Jeju, Korea. From 3 elementary schools, 1,189 children were enrolled with informed consent. Results : The lifetime prevalence of self-reported food allergy were 10.5%. The period prevalence of self-reported food allergy(last 12 months), the lifetime prevalence of clinician-diagnosed food allergy and the period prevalence of clinician-treated food allergy(last 12 months) were 4.8%, 5.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The sensitization rate to one or more food allergens was 3.7%. Male(4.8%) showed more sensitized than female (2.5%)(p=0.043). Shrimps(1.1%), egg white(0.6%), mussels(0.5%), yolk(0.4%) and milk(0.4%) were commonly sensitized food allergens. The commonly associated allergens in the lifetime prevalence of food allergy include egg white, yolk, tuna, chicken and soybeans. The multivariate analysis revealed that the allergens most significantly related with the lifetime prevalence of food allergy were eggs, showing the risk of food allergy was 10.53 times higher in the cases with sensitization to egg. Conclusion : Compared to those in other regions, the school-aged children in Jeju show no difference in the prevalence of food allergy, but, with a gradual increase in frequency. Among the food allergens, egg is one of the most commonly sensitizing allergen as well as cause of food allergy. Serial epidemiological investigations and customized educational programs concerning food allergy are necessary at school.

Prevalence of self-reported food allergy in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2010

Food allergy is a common condition, with widely varying estimates of prevalence worldwide and within the United States. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a periodic survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that examines a nationally representative sample of approximately 5000 subjects each year. Further description of NHANES methodologies can be found in this article's Online Repository at www.jacionline.org.

The prevalence of food allergy among Aboriginal people in Canada

Background Data suggest that Aboriginal people may experience lower rates of food allergy compared with the general population. However, there have not been any population-based studies to estimate the prevalence of food allergy among Aboriginal People in Canada. Given this gap in the literature, the goal of this study is to estimate the prevalence of food allergy among Canadian Aboriginal people (First Nations, Metis or Inuit), and to compare these estimates with the general population. Methods We performed a nationwide, cross-sectional telephone survey of all Canadian provinces and territories. Census Canada 2006 data were used to identify postal codes containing a high proportion of Aboriginal people and telephone numbers were randomly selected. The household respondent was queried on whether any household member had a food allergy. Prevalence estimates and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated for the nine most common food allergens (peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, sesame, milk, egg, wheat, and soy) and for all foods, among individuals reporting Aboriginal status and for the general population. Results Out of 12,747 households contacted, 6,403 responded (50.2% response rate, representing 15,043 individuals), of which 2,264 reported Aboriginal status (15.1% of individuals). All allergies except peanut and fish are more common among the general population than Aboriginal people, although the difference is only significant for tree nut [1.22% (95% CI, 1.00%, 1.44%) vs. 0.57% (95% CI, 0.31%, 0.98%)], shellfish [1.60% (95% CI, 1.35%, 1.86%) vs. 0.93% (95% CI, 0.58%, 1.41%)], milk [1.97% (95% CI, 1.64%, 2.29%) vs. 0.49% (95% CI, 0.24%, 0.87%)], wheat [0.77% (95% CI, 0.57%, 0.96%) vs. 0.13% (95% CI, 0.03%, 0.39%)] and all foods [8.07% (95% CI, 7.47%, 8.67%) vs. 4.90% (95% CI, 4.05%, 5.87%)]. Conclusion Our study suggests that the self-reported prevalence of several food allergies is lower in the Aboriginal population as compared with a representative sample of the general Canadian population. The lower prevalence of self-reported food allergy in the Aboriginal population may be attributable to several factors: genetics, differences in dietary habits and the environment, and inequities in access to health care, education and information about food allergy. These findings support a need for better education and access to health care services for Aboriginal communities, and future studies to explore the role of genetics, diet and environment in the development of food allergy.

Overall prevalence of self-reported food allergy in Canada

Overall prevalence of self-reported food allergy in Canada

Overall Prevalence Of Self-reported Food Allergy In Canada

Food allergy prevalence estimates vary considerably across studies. Although our research team recently published prevalence estimates for peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and sesame allergy in Canada, the overall prevalence of self-reported food allergy has never been reported.

Epidemiology of food allergy in European infants

The prevalence and causes of food allergy in Europe is still unclear. Individual studies show very different data. Within the EU-funded collaborative translational research project EuroPrevall, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the prevalence of food allergy. The foods assessed were cow’s milk, hen’s egg, peanut, fish, shellfish, and an overall estimate of food allergy. The prevalence of self-reported food allergy was ranging from 3% to 35% for any food and was very high compared with objective measures. Interestingly, there was marked heterogeneity between studies regardless of type of assessment or food item considered. Whether this reflects real differences or is a problem of different study designs could not be answered. In order to obtain comparable prevalence data for food allergy in Europe a multi-centre birth cohort study was started within EuroPrevall in 2005. A total of over 12,000 newborns from nine countries of four climatic regions across Europe were recruited. Standardised telephone interviews were scheduled at birth, 12, 24 and 30 months. In addition, parents were asked to immediately report to the study centres in case of the development of an atopic disease such as atopic dermatitis or about possible allergic reactions to food at any time. All children with atopic dermatitis that required treatment or symptoms possibly caused by food allergy were invited for standardised clinical evaluations including the diagnostic gold standard, double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge tests. Looking at the patterns of food allergy in these infants and young children we found that hen’s egg, cow’s milk, peanut and wheat were the most frequent food allergens in Europe. Interestingly, we saw a marked heterogeneity for some allergens between different countries despite the usage of the same study protocols and close monitoring. This finding might be important for future risk assessment in food allergy.