Abstract
Background: School nurses play an important role in coping with food allergy (FA) in schoolchildren, but in schools with no school nurse, the school personnel should be prepared to manage health emergencies. This study aimed to evaluate allergy management competences in primary schools in Cyprus. Methods: The study was conducted September 2016 to May 2017 in 11/13 primary schools, selected by stratified random sampling. Information was collected from a principal/designated teacher using a questionnaire from the EuroPrevall Project, adapted for Cypriot teachers. Results: An average of six children with FA per school was reported in the preceding three years. Protocols for the management of chronic diseases, including allergies, were in place in 8/11 schools. Regarding recognition of FA, 8/11 respondents knew some of the signs and symptoms. In an allergic emergency, 9/11 would call the child’s parent/caregiver first and 2/11 emergency medical support. Epinephrine auto-injector (EIA) was reported by 2/11 respondents to be available in the school, but only one reported training in its use. Conclusions: The preparedness of primary schools in Cyprus did not meet safety standards regarding the preparedness of school personnel to cope with an allergic reaction in children with FA, including the use of EIA.
Highlights
Food allergy (FA) is a common pediatric emergency and constitutes a significant concern for the personnel of preschool facilities and schools
Even though strict avoidance of the offending food is the main form of management for FA, an individualized emergency plan, including use of the epinephrine auto-injector (EAI), is necessary for the treatment of food anaphylaxis [10]
The school principal was the designated interviewee in 8/11 schools, and a teacher was appointed to be interviewed as school representative in 3/11 schools
Summary
Food allergy (FA) is a common pediatric emergency and constitutes a significant concern for the personnel of preschool facilities and schools. Cow’s milk is the most common allergen causing reactions in preschool children, and peanuts in schoolchildren, but culprit allergens are related to the eating habits affected by the varied diets consumed in different countries [6,7,8]. FA and anaphylaxis related policy in schools, and the legislation concerning treatment planning, both vary considerably from country to country, and even from school to school in the same country [9]. Even though strict avoidance of the offending food is the main form of management for FA, an individualized emergency plan, including use of the epinephrine auto-injector (EAI), is necessary for the treatment of food anaphylaxis [10]
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