Prevalence and correlation of multiple chemical sensitivity and electromagnetic hypersensitivity with age, sex, and depression in the Japanese population: a retrospective study

Abstract

Prevalence and correlation of multiple chemical sensitivity and electromagnetic hypersensitivity with age, sex, and depression in the Japanese population: a retrospective study Lu X, Hojo S, Mizukoshi A, Katoh T. Prevalence and correlation of multiple chemical sensitivity and electromagnetic hypersensitivity with age, sex, and depression in the Japanese population: a retrospective study. BMC Public Health. 2023 Jun 21;23(1):1205. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16152-2. Abstract Background: In Japan, there are currently no definitive conclusions regarding the characteristics of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlation of MCS and EHS with age, sex, and depression in the Japanese population. Methods: An anonymous self-report questionnaire was distributed to 2,007 participants. Variables such as MCS, EHS, depression score, and demographic characteristics were individually evaluated using the U-test, chi- squared test, and correlation analyses. Moreover, we performed a covariance structure analysis to build a structural equation model. Results: Older individuals and women were more likely to exhibit MCS and EHS symptoms. Moreover, depression was correlated with MCS and EHS. Conclusions: Although MCS and EHS are strongly correlated, they exhibit distinct characteristics and symptoms, indicating that they can be regarded as separate conditions. Excerpts The prevalence rates of self-reported MCS and EHS were 5.9% and 5.3% in all participants, 4.0% and 3.4% in men, and 6.7% and 6.1% in women. However, there were no significant sex-based differences in the prevalence of MCS (p = 0.08) and EHS (p = 0.07). The prevalence rates of self-reported MCS and EHS were 1.5% in all participants, 0% in men, and 2.1% in women.... The prevalence rates of self-reported MCS and EHS were 5.9% and 5.3%, respectively, consistent with previous Japanese reports [6]. Numerous studies have reported a higher prevalence rate of MCS and chemical intolerance in women than in men [3, 5,6,7,8, 31,32,33], consistent with our findings. Similarly, several studies have reported a higher prevalence of EHS in women than men [16]. However, the lack of sufficiently comprehensive data, especially from the Japanese population, impedes the establishment of clear conclusions.... MCS showed a significant correlation with EHS. A previous study reported that EHS is correlated with MCS in 30% of the cases and that MCS precedes EHS onset in 37% of these EHS/MCS-related cases.... This study has some limitations. First, although we used the SR model to evaluate the overall relationship, this was a cross-sectional study. A prospective cohort study is warranted to elucidate the causal relationships. Second, all data were collected through self-report questionnaires, and recall bias or nocebo effects may exist; accordingly, given the lack of more objective assessments, the results may have been overestimated. Third, this study had a small sample size, which limited the statistical power of some of the findings. Open access paper: bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In 2,007 questionnaire respondents, self-reported prevalence was 5.9% for MCS and 5.3% for EHS. Older individuals and women were more likely to exhibit MCS and EHS symptoms, and depression score was correlated with both; MCS and EHS were strongly correlated but described as having distinct characteristics/symptoms.

Outcomes measured

• Self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) prevalence
• Self-reported multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) prevalence
• Correlation/association of EHS and MCS with age
• Correlation/association of EHS and MCS with sex
• Correlation/association of EHS and MCS with depression score
• Correlation between EHS and MCS

Limitations

• Cross-sectional design; causal relationships cannot be established (authors note prospective cohort needed)
• Self-report questionnaire data only; potential recall bias and nocebo effects; lack of objective assessments may overestimate results
• Small sample size limited statistical power for some findings

Suggested hubs

• electromagnetic-hypersensitivity-ehs (0.95)
  Study measures prevalence and correlates of self-reported EHS in a population sample.

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    "population": "Japanese population (anonymous self-report questionnaire participants)",
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    "keywords": [
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