Objective:

To elucidate the current status of food allergy (FA) among preschool children in Qingdao, China, and identify associated risk factors.

Approach:

• Study Design: A cross-sectional study involving 461 preschool children conducted between April and July 2025 using a self-administered questionnaire.

Key Findings:

• 60 (13.0%) of preschool children were diagnosed with food allergy.
• No statistically significant differences in food allergy prevalence were observed across gender or age groups.
• 35 (58.3%) of affected children exhibited a single clinical manifestation, while 25 (41.7%) presented with two or more concurrent symptoms.
• Significant risk factors identified included: annual household income > ¥15,000 CNY [OR (95% CI): 2.812 (1.547-5.111)], maternal food allergy history [OR (95% CI): 3.143 (1.505-6.561)], and picky eating behavior [OR (95% CI): 2.558 (1.383-4.732)].
• Protective factors included gestational age ≥ 37 weeks [OR (95% CI): 0.049 (0.006-0.424)] and indoor plant cultivation [OR (95% CI): 0.433 (0.229-0.817)].

Interpretation:

A high prevalence of food allergy was identified, with shrimp, mango, milk, and eggs being the most common allergens. Cutaneous symptoms were the predominant clinical manifestations.

Limitations:

• The study was limited to preschool children in Qingdao, which may not represent the broader population.
• Data reliance on parental reporting may introduce bias.

Conclusion:

The findings highlight the multifactorial nature of food allergy risk factors among preschool children in Qingdao.