Abstract
<h3>Introduction</h3> 5-10% of children globally are affected by food allergies, and patients and caregivers suffer from high levels of emotional distress and anxiety. Immunotherapy is gaining recognition as a safe method to treat food allergy. Increased stress and anxiety levels are associated with lower quality of life (QOL), higher activity impairment, and higher suicidal ideation. Few studies have explored patient/caregiver reported outcomes from immunotherapy. <h3>Methods</h3> 61 patients/caregivers completed a survey measuring Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures to assess perceived effects of immunotherapy treatment on general and emotional well-being and the ability to participate in activities of daily living. The survey was distributed through allergist offices and online support groups for patients/caregivers pursuing food allergen immunotherapy, and was open to patients who were either currently pursuing immunotherapy or who had done so previously. Procedures followed were in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration as revised in 2013. <h3>Results</h3> 77% of patients/caregivers reported improvement in general state of well-being with immunotherapy treatment. 65.6% reported improvement in emotional well-being. 70.5% reported improvement in the ability to perform social activities. However, there was not a clear association of food allergen immunotherapy with the ability to participate in physical activities, with 70.5% of patients/caregivers reporting no change. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In this preliminary survey, food allergen immunotherapy treatment was associated with improvement in patient/caregiver-reported well-being and improved ability to participate in social activities. Given the importance of QOL indicators on the decision to pursue food allergen immunotherapy, these results will help to inform the shared decision-making process and set realistic expectations for outcomes.
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