A cross sectional survey on the prevalence of food intolerance and its determinants in Beijing,China / 中华流行病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the prevalence of food intolerance among attendants in a general hospital and to learn its related determinants in Beijing,China.Methods An cross sectional survey,from August 1st,2008 to June 30th,2009,was carried out,including 12 766 adults from Health Sciences Center,Chinese PLA General Hospital.Data for epidemiological analysis were entered (double entry) into computer and organized by EpiData 3.0.Non-conditional logistic regression model was used for odd ratio (OR) and 95%CI calculation,with statistic analysis through SPSS 13.0.Results The three leading intolerance food items were egg,crab and milk,and the prevalence rates were 28.5%,24.5% and 24.5% respectively.Prevalence of food intolerance increased along with aging.Levels and the kinds of food intolerance were associated with age,sex and appeared a linear correlation tendency (P＜0.05).Prevalence of food intolerance in females (67.3%) was higher than that in males (56.2%).Data from multiple regression analysis showed that,comparing with age group under 40 and 40 years,the OR(95%CI) of age group 41-50,51-60,and above 60 were 1.125(1.027-1.233),1.307(l.176-1.452)and 1.536(1.275-1.849)respectively.Compared to males,the OR (95% CI) of females was 1.602 (1.475-1.741).When compared with normal weights,the OR (95%CI) of people with low weight was 1.772 (1.207-2.602).Conclusion Food intolerance was associated with age,sex and body mass index.Health education should be carried out according to the related characteristics of age and sex.Suggesting that reducing the risk of food intolerance,keeping the suitable weight was necessary.