Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2018 Jul;21(3):170-175. 10.5223/pghn.2018.21.3.170.

An Electronic Questionnaire Survey Evaluating the Perceived Prevalence and Practices of Lactose Intolerance in 1 to 5 Year Old Children in South East Asia

• Tan ML
• Muhardi L
• Osatakul S
• Hegar B
• Vandenplas Y
• Ludwig T
• Bindels J
• Van der Beek EM
• Quak SH

• KMID: 2415594
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2018.21.3.170

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.

Keyword

Lactose intolerance; Primary; Secondary; Management; Survey; Healthcare providers; South East Asia

MeSH Terms

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
Lactose

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