An Electronic Questionnaire Survey Evaluating the Perceived Prevalence and Practices of Lactose Intolerance in 1 to 5 Year Old Children in South East Asia.
10.5223/pghn.2018.21.3.170
- Author:
Michelle Li Nien TAN
1
;
Leilani MUHARDI
;
Seksit OSATAKUL
;
Badriul HEGAR
;
Yvan VANDENPLAS
;
Thomas LUDWIG
;
Jacques BINDELS
;
Eline M VAN DER BEEK
;
Seng Hock QUAK
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, National University of Singapore, Singapore. michelle_ln_tan@nuhs.edu.sg
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Lactose intolerance;
Primary;
Secondary;
Management;
Survey;
Healthcare providers;
South East Asia
- MeSH:
Anonyms and Pseudonyms;
Asia;
Asia, Southeastern;
Child*;
Delivery of Health Care;
Diagnosis;
Epidemiologic Studies;
Far East*;
Gastroenteritis;
Health Personnel;
Humans;
Incidence;
Indonesia;
Lactose Intolerance*;
Lactose*;
Milk;
Nutritional Status;
Population Characteristics;
Prevalence*;
Quality of Life;
Rotavirus;
Singapore;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Thailand
- From:Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
2018;21(3):170-175
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Lactose intolerance (LI) is perceived to be frequent in Asia and has been reported to have considerable impact on dietary intake, nutritional status and the quality of life. We aimed to gather information from healthcare professionals on the perceived incidence, diagnosis and management of LI in 1 to 5 year old children in Southeast Asia. METHODS: An anonymous electronic survey was sent randomly among healthcare professionals registered in the database of the pediatric societies in Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore between June and October 2016. RESULTS: In total, 259 health care professionals responded of which 45.5% (n=118) were from Thailand, 37.4% (n=97) from Indonesia and 16.9% (n=44) from Singapore. Of the participants who responded (n=248), primary LI prevalence among children 1 to 3 years of age was estimated to be less than 5% by 56.8%. However, about 18.9% (n=47) answered they did not know/unsure. Regarding secondary LI, 61.6% of respondents (n=153) estimated the prevalence to be less than 15%. But again, 10.8% (n=27) answered they did not know or unsure. Rotavirus gastroenteritis was ranked as the top cause for secondary LI. There was considerable heterogeneity in the diagnostic methods used. The majority of respondents (75%) recommended lactose-free milk to manage primary and secondary LI. CONCLUSION: More education/training of pediatricians on this topic and further epidemiological studies using a more systematic approach are required.
