Assessment of ecological risks to the health of students using a questionnaire method

Introduction. The study of the prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) among young people is a significant medical and social issue. Sensitivity to environmental factors is not only an indicator of functional disorders but also one of the mechanisms negatively affecting health levels, disease development, quality of life, and reduced productivity. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) represents one of the widespread variants of the body’s maladaptation to chemical components in the environment.

Aim. To assess environmental risks to students’ health through a questionnaire.

Materials and methods. Questionnaire survey using QEESI questionnaire of 287 student volunteers 95 males with a mean age of 20.2 ± 1.3 years and 192 females with a mean age of 20.5 ± 1.4 years. Data collection using the developed digital platform “EcoMedic”. Statistical processing was performed using MedCalc statistical programme.

Results. Among all 287 tested individuals, a total of 94 individuals (33.1%) were found to have MHF criteria. In the group of 135 first-year students tested, 39 individuals (28.8%) met the criteria for the diagnosis of MHF. A survey of 152 fourth-year students revealed that 55 (36.1%) met the criteria for the MHF diagnosis. Compared to the group of 1st year students with MHF, 4th year students suffering from MHF had higher intensity of respiratory/mucous membrane symptoms p = 0.0016, cardiac and chest symptoms, p = 0.001, gastrointestinal symptoms p = 0.0001 and cognitive disorders p = 0.0001.

Conclusions. The prevalence of multiple chemical intolerance among students was 33.1%. Worsening MCH symptoms include increased respiratory/mucosal, cardiac/thoracic, gastrointestinal, and cognitive symptoms.

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