Distribution and perception of allergies in the German general population

Objective: To obtain population based data on prevalence of allergies and to provide insight into allergy care and perceptions among German general population. Methods: A random representative sample of the German population (>18 years) was recruited for a computer assisted telephone survey in Feb. 2012. Descriptive data was stratified by relevant criteria (age, sex, region and health insurance status). Results: For 51% of n=1.004 respondents the topic “allergy” was personally relevant. One third (33%) rated a physician-diagnosed allergy. Prevalence was higher in women (39%; men 27%) and in persons with higher e…