Dataset Information

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

ABSTRACT: 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.

SUBMITTER: Irani C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4897070 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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

Irani C C Maalouly G G

International scholarly research notices 20151216

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 du ...[more]

PMID: 27347535

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Project description: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.

Dataset Information

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

Publications

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

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