Potential association between allergenic food exposure and skin disease in Bangladesh: An application of principal component logistic regression (PCLR)

Background and aim: Allergenic foods can trigger skin conditions, yet their impact in Bangladesh remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the potential association between exposure to allergenic foods and the development of skin disease across Bangladesh.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 970 respondents from the divisions of Dhaka, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Chattogram who self-reported skin disease triggered by food allergens. We analyzed the data using multiple response analysis and principal component logistic regression.

Results: Approximately 64% of respondents had skin disease attributable to allergenic foods, with a relatively higher proportion among females (52%) than males (48%). Beef (67%), Brinjal (47.1%), Hilsa (45.8%), and Shrimp (23.7%) were the most frequently cited allergenic foods. Principal component logistic regression identified two highly significant principal components: the first representing Hilsa, Beef, and Brinjal (odds ratio = 2.256), and the sixth reflecting Corn (odds ratio = 1.342). Individuals who consumed foods with high loadings of the first principal component were 125.6% more likely to develop skin disease than nonconsumers, while those exposed to Corn had a 34.2% higher risk.

Conclusion: The findings highlight prevalent allergenic foods in Bangladesh and their substantial impact on skin health, underscoring the need for dietary awareness and tailored interventions to mitigate allergic skin conditions in this population.