Prevalence of food allergies and the quality of life in Korea: finding from the Korea National Health and Nutriotion Examination Survey

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of food allergies has increased over the past decade. Once a food allergy is diagnosed, absolute avoidance of the causative food and many restrictions on food intake are needed. Therefore, patients will have many physical and mental limitations. This study investigated the prevalence and clinical features of food allergies and checked the activity limitations and mental health status due to food allergies in Korea.Methods: In the 2005 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 32,184 subjects, we examined 9004 respondents to a food allergy questionnaire. We compared the mental health status, clinical features, physical activity limitations, and quality of life of the patients with and without food allergies through EuroQoL-5 Dimension and a depression questionnaire.Results: A total of 815 patients were diagnosed with food allergies, with a prevalence of 9.1%. The proportion of women in the food allergy group was higher than that in the non-food allergic group, as was activity limitation by respiratory disease. Moreover, the food allergic group scored higher in pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Self-perceived depression and suicidal ideation were also significantly higher in the food allergy group than in the non-food allergy group.Conclusion: Food allergies in Korea are approximately 9.1% in prevalence and food allergies are associated with increased activity limitations, lower quality of life, depression, and suicidal ideation. Therefore, it may be necessary to perform early intervention through periodic evaluation of the mental health of food allergy patients.