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Prevalence of Parent-Reported Food Allergies Among Children in Saudi Arabia.
- Source :
- Nutrients; Aug2024, Vol. 16 Issue 16, p2693, 12p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- (1) Background: Food allergy (FA) is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity to foods, significantly contributing to childhood morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and influencing factors of parent-reported FAs among children in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a validated parental questionnaire distributed across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Data from 2130 participants were collected and analyzed using SPSS v. 26 and Prism software v. 10.3.0. (3) Results: Parent-reported FA prevalence was 15.2%. Egg was the most common allergen (6.2%), followed by tree nuts (4.1%), peanuts (4.0%), milk (3.8%), and sesame (3.2%). Significant geographical variations were observed, with the western region having the highest burden (p < 0.001). Older children had higher rates of shellfish and fish allergies. Parental allergies and co-existing asthma/drug allergies were positively associated with childhood FAs. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights a substantial burden of parent-reported FAs in Saudi Arabia, with regional variations in food allergen distribution. Parental allergies and co-existing allergic conditions may influence FA risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20726643
- Volume :
- 16
- Issue :
- 16
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Nutrients
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 179355693
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162693