Demographic characteristics associated with food allergy in a Nationwide Canadian Study

Abstract

Introduction We conducted a nationwide Canadian telephone survey on food allergy prevalence between February 2016 and January 2017, targeting vulnerable populations (New, Indigenous, and lower-income Canadians). Objective To examine the independent effect of demographic characteristics on food allergy. Methods Canadian households with vulnerable populations were targeted using Canadian Census data and the household respondent reported whether each household member had a perceived (self-reported) or probable (self-report of a convincing history or physician diagnosis) food allergy. The association between perceived and probable food allergy and demographic characteristics was assessed through weighted multivariable random effects logistic regressions. Results Children, females, Canadian-born participants, adults with post-secondary education, and those residing in smaller households were more likely to report perceived or probable food allergy. Although immigrant parents self-reported less food allergy, Canadian-born children of Southeast/East Asian immigrant versus other immigrant or Canadian-born parents reported more food allergy. Conclusion We have demonstrated clear associations between demographic characteristics and food allergy, which may provide important clues to the environmental determinants of food allergy.

The future of food allergy: Challenging existing paradigms of clinical practice

“…Interestingly, while urbanization may alter infectious and environmental allergen exposures and feeding behaviour, immigration may represent a similar phenomenon. In Australia, children of Asian immigrants appear to have a significantly increased risk of developing food allergies despite low rates in their countries of origin, 17,18 with similar data reported from Canada 19 …”

“…In Australia, children of Asian immigrants appear to have a significantly increased risk of developing food allergies despite low rates in their countries of origin, 17,18 with similar data reported from Canada. 19 Despite a better understanding of early introduction to prevent food allergy, few studies have evaluated changing patterns after the dissemination of prevention guidance. Following implementation in Australia, the rates of hospital admissions due to anaphylaxis increased in infants, possibly consistent with elevated rates of early exposure.…”

Temporal examination of adult food insecurity amongst Canadian families managing food allergy

“…Nonetheless, our study population was largely composed of individuals with post-secondary education and reported household incomes above the national median. Moreover, a nationwide survey supports that Canadians in lower income households were less likely to report perceived food allergy [ 24 ]. A recent Canadian report supports that adults with lower levels of education are more vulnerable to experiencing food insecurity [ 25 ].…”