An Epidemiological Survey of Food Reactions Among Kindergarten Children in Zanjan, Iran

Background & Objective: Food allergy is an important and increasing problem in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the type and prevalence of food reactions in child care centers of Zanjan city (northwest, Iran). Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 40 kindergartens from Zanjan city. A questionnaire containing information about the occurrence of food reaction, offending food, type of reaction, feeding and birth history, and atopy in the children and their families, was prepared and completed by the parents. Then, the data were gathered and analyzed by SPSS 16. Results: In this study 801 children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years entered the study. Two hundred and one reactions (25.1%) were reported. Skin reactions including; urticaria (47.3%) and dermatitis (8%) were registered as the most common problems. Cow's milk (32.3%) was the most offending food. There was significant correlation between age, duration of breast feeding, personal and family history of atopy, and food reactions; however, we did not find any correlation between birth body weight, gender, time of complementary feeding and food reaction. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of food reaction in Zanjan city. Therefore, along with confirmatory diagnostic tests, family education for prevention and treatment of children is recommended.