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

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.