A cross-sectional study of food allergy and its psychological aspect among Saudi Arabia population

الملخص EN

Although studies reported the prevalence rate of food allergies and caused foods in Saudi Arabia, little is known about the psychological risk.

The aims were to determine the latest prevalence rate, food allergens and symptoms, and investigate the main factors associated with psychological aspects of food allergy.

Cross-sectional survey studies were administered via the internet and interview (2020).

The survey addressed food allergies concerning demographic, allergic characteristics, lifestyle and psychological aspects.

Frequencies, descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests were used.

504 participants were reported with allergies to at least one food.

The prevalence was 41.2%, and the most common symptom was an itch.

Wheat was the most common food allergen.

The main psychological effect of food allergy was anxiety (55.6%).

There were significant associations between psychological effects and many factors (P< 0.05).

A psychological risk with respect to age, educational level, frequency of visiting the hospital, using of food allergy labels, avoiding allergens, and satisfaction with allergen food labelling was noted.