Application of questionnaires in studying the frequency of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome

Cover Page


Cite item

Full Text

Open Access Open Access
Restricted Access Access granted
Restricted Access Subscription or Fee Access

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome is a set of adverse physiological reactions of the human body to exposure to common chemical agents in low doses, which are considered non-toxic to the population.

AIM: To study the frequency and characteristics of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome manifestation using the Russified questionnaire Quick Environment Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the pilot study, 468 people undergoing a preventive medical examination were surveyed (232 men, average age 34.2±9.3 years, and 236 women, average age 42.9±13.8 years). To assess multiple chemical sensitivity, an analysis of three subscales of the Russified validated QEESI questionnaire (chemical intolerance, severity of symptoms, and impact on everyday life) was used. The statistical significance of differences in relative indicators was assessed using the Pearson χ2 criterion. Absolute indicators were presented as M (SD). Relationships and differences in indicators were considered statistically significant at p <0.05.

RESULTS: The frequency of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome was 45.5%, 51.7% of patients had concomitant diseases. The frequency of comorbidities with and without multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome was comparable: allergic diseases — 25.6 vs 17.5%, χ2=3.84, p=0.069; irritable bowel syndrome — 8.1 vs 10.9%, χ2=3.648, p=0.057; migraine — 11 vs 10.5%, χ2=0.642, p=0.424. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome was more often detected in women (74.3 vs 25.6%, χ2=5.76, p=0.001) and patients with a sedentary lifestyle (58.3 vs 24.8% χ2=11.9; p=0.01). In patients with multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome, the most common central nervous system complaints were mood lability (26.5 vs 11.3%, χ2=18.936, p=0.003), headaches (27.4 vs 10.5%, χ2=7.555, p=0.006); in the gastrointestinal tract — nausea (13.7 vs 7.6%, χ2=4.826, p=0.029), abdominal pain (10.9 vs 5.5%, χ2=4.178, p=0.041).

CONCLUSION: A high frequency of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (45.5%) was revealed, which was typical for women and patients with a sedentary lifestyle. Patients with this syndrome significantly more often reported complaints from the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Full Text

Restricted Access

About the authors

Elena V. Bolotova

Kuban State Medical University

Email: bolotowa_e@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6257-354X
SPIN-code: 4322-9985

MD, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Prof., Depart. of Therapy No. 1

Russian Federation, Krasnodar

Anna V. Dudnikova

Clinic of Kuban State Medical University

Email: avdudnikova@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2601-7831
SPIN-code: 7480-1992

MD, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Consultative and Diagnostic Depart., Clinic

Russian Federation, Krasnodar

Vladimir V. Onopriev

Kuban State Medical University

Email: onoprievvv@ksma.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6676-5247
SPIN-code: 5631-6667

MD, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Prof., Depart. of Clinical Pharmacology and Functional Diagnostics

Russian Federation, Krasnodar

Lyubov V. Batrakova

Kuban State Medical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: batrakovalv@ksma.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-3688-6064
SPIN-code: 4412-3236

Senior Lecturer, Depart. of Specialized Hygiene Disciplines, Epidemiology and General Hygiene

Russian Federation, Krasnodar

Arina G. Abramenko

Clinic of Kuban State Medical University

Email: 326142@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-6649-8576

MD, Therapist, Consultative and Diagnostic Depart., Clinic

Russian Federation, Krasnodar

References

  1. Ministry of Natural Resources of the Krasnodar Krai. Available from: https://mpr.krasnodar.ru/ob-okruzhayushchey-srede/o-sostoyanii-okruzhayushchey-sredy/ezhegodnyy-doklad-o-sostoyanii-prirodopolzovaniya-i-okhrane-okruzhayushchey-sredy-krasnodarskogo-kra?ysclid=lugp0bs0mn283865381 Accessed: June 06, 2024. (In Russ.)
  2. Efremova MS. Ecological situation in the modern Russian Federation: comparison with other countries as a basis for new ideas for the development of the state. Upravlenie/Management (Russia). 2023;11(1):95–104 (In Russ.) doi: 10.26425/2309-3633-2023-11-1-95-104
  3. Bolotova EV, Dudnikova AV, Shul'zhenko LV. Relevance of the use of biological therapy in patients with a spectrum of sensitization characteristic of the south of Russia. Astma i allergiya. 2023;(1):25–29. (In Russ.) doi: 10.24412/2308-3190-2023-12870
  4. Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of 05/07/2024 No. 309 “On the national development goals of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030 and for the future up to 2036”. Available from: https://www.consultant.ru/law/hotdocs/84648.html Accessed: June 06, 2024. (In Russ.)
  5. Damiani G, Alessandrini M, Caccamo D, Cormano A, Guzzi G, Mazzatenta A, Micarelli A, Migliore A, Piroli A, Bianca M, Tapparo O, Pigatto PDM. Italian expert consensus on clinical and therapeutic management of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18:11294. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182111294
  6. Viziano A, Micarelli A, Pasquantonio G, Della-Morte D, Alessandrini M. Perspectives on multisensory perception disruption in idiopathic environmental intolerance: A systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;91:923–935. doi: 10.1007/s00420-018-1346-z
  7. Hojo S, Mizukoshi A, Azuma K, Okumura J, Mizuki M, Miyata M. New criteria for multiple chemical sensitivity based on the Quick Environmental exposure and sensitivity inventory developed in response to rapid changes in ongoing chemical exposures among Japanese. PLoS ONE. 2019;14:144–215. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215144
  8. Nynäs P, Vilpas S, Kankare E, Karjalainen J, Lehtimäki L, Numminen J, Tikkakoski A, Kleemola L, Huhtala H, Uitti J. Multiple chemical sensitivity in patients exposed to moisture damage at work and in general working-age population — the SAMDAW study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(23):12296. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182312296
  9. Lu X, Hisada A, Anai A, Nakashita C, Masuda S, Fujiwara Y, Kunugita N, Katoh T. Study of the correlation between multiple chemical sensitivity and personality using the quick environmental exposure sensitivity inventory questionnaire and the temperament and character inventory. J Occup Environ Med. 2020;62:348–354. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001899
  10. Steinemann A. National prevalence and effects of multiple chemical sensitivities. J Occup Environ Med. 2018;60(3):e152–e156. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001272
  11. Karvala K, Sainio M, Palmquist E, Nyback M, Nordin S. Prevalence of various environmental intolerances in a swedish and finnish general population. Environ Res. 2018;161:220–228. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.11.014
  12. Haanes JV, Nordin S, Hillert L, Witthöft M, Kamp I, Thriel C, Bergh O. “Symptoms associated with environmental factors” (SAEF) — towards a paradigm shift regarding “idiopathic environmental intolerance” and related phenomena. J Psychosom Res. 2020;131:109955. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109955
  13. Bolotova EV, Dudnikova AV, Onopriev VV, Batrakova LV, Abramenko AG. Validation of the russian-language version of the QEESI questionnaire for the assessment of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. Vrach. 2024;35(7):5–11. (In Russ.). doi: 10.29296/25877305-2024-07-10
  14. Miller CS, Prihoda TJ. A controlled comparison of symptoms and chemical intolerances reported by Gulf War veterans, implant recipients and persons with multiple chemical sensitivity. Toxicol Ind Health. 1999;15:386–397. doi: 10.1177/074823379901500312
  15. Fares-Medina S, Díaz-Caro I, García-Montes R, Corral-Liria I, García-Gómez-Heras S. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome: first symptoms and evolution of the clinical picture: Case-control study/Epidemiological case-control study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(23):15891. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192315891
  16. Jeong I, Kim I, Park HJ, Roh J, Park JW, Lee JH. Allergic diseases and multiple chemical sensitivity in Korean adults. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2014;6:409–416. doi: 10.4168/aair.2014.6.5.409
  17. Hojo S, Mizukoshi A, Azuma K, Okumura J, Ishikawa S, Miyata M, Mizuki M, Ogura H, Sakabe K. Survey on changes in subjective symptoms, onset/trigger factors, allergic diseases, and chemical exposures in the past decade of Japanese patients with multiple chemical sensitivity. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2018;221:1085–1096. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.08.001
  18. Palmer RF, Dempsey TT, Afrin LB. Chemical intolerance and mast cell activation: A suspicious synchronicity. J Xenobiot. 2023;13(4):704–718. doi: 10.3390/jox13040045
  19. Del Casale A, Ferracuti S, Mosca A, Pomes L, Fiaschè F, Bonanni L, Borro M, Gentile G, Martelletti P, Simmaco M. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome: A principal component analysis of symptoms. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(18):6551. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17186551
  20. Suzuki K, Okamura M, Haruyama Y, Suzuki S, Shiina T, Kobashi G, Hirata K. Exploring the contributing factors to multiple chemical sensitivity in patients with migraine. J Occup Health. 2022;64(1):e12328. doi: 10.1002/1348-9585.12328
  21. Scerbo T, Colasurdo J, Dunn S, Unger J, Nijs J, Cook C. Measurement properties of the central sensitization inventory: A systematic review. Pain Pract. 2018;18(4):544–554. doi: 10.1111/papr.12636
  22. Cui X, Lu X, Hisada A, Fujiwara Y, Katoh T. The correlation between mental health and multiple chemical sensitivity: A survey study in Japanese workers. Environ Health Prev Med. 2015;20:123–129. doi: 10.1007/s12199-014-0434-2
  23. Johnson D, Colman I. The association between multiple chemical sensitivity and mental illness: Evidence from a nationally representative sample of Canadians. J Psychosom Res. 2017;99:40–44. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.06.002
  24. Hempel S, Danz M, Robinson KA, Bolshakova M, Rodriguez J, Mears A, Pham C, Yagyu S, Motala A, Tolentino D, Akbari O, Johnston J. Multiple chemical sensitivity scoping review protocol: Overview of research and MCS construct. BMJ Open. 2023;13(9):e072098. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072098

Supplementary files

Supplementary Files
Action
1. JATS XML
Download
2. Fig. 1. Results of the survey of respondents on the chemical sensitivity scale of the QEESI questionnaire (Quick Environment Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory)

Download (51KB)
Indexing metadata
3. Fig. 2. Results of the survey of respondents on the symptom scale of the QEESI questionnaire (Quick Environment Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory)

Download (76KB)
Indexing metadata
4. Fig. 3. Results of the survey of respondents on the scale of impact on everyday life according to the QEESI questionnaire (Quick Environment Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory)

Download (69KB)
Indexing metadata

© 2024 Eco-Vector




This website uses cookies

You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.

About Cookies