Psychosocial impact of peanut allergy in France: Results of the APPEAL survey

Abstract

Introduction Peanut allergy (PA) is common and often involved in the most severe anaphylactic reactions. The aim of this survey was to investigate the psychosocial impact of PA in France. Methodes The results from French participants to the pan-European study Allergy to Peanuts imPacting Emotions And Life (APPEAL) designed to assess the psychosocial impact of PA are reported here. Participants were adults affected by PA directly or indirectly (caregivers) and they completed an online questionnaire. Resultats A total of 198 responders (60 adults with PA, 138 caregivers). 88% stated that PA affects their daily activities, and 74% felt isolated as a result of living with PA. Feelings of worry about exposure to peanuts on social occasions where food is involved was reported by 91%. A total of 44% reported some restrictions in their job options, 85% in socializing. Psychological impact of PA included responders feeling emotions of frustration (89%), uncertainty (87%), and stress (93%). Of the 115 responders prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors, 62 (54%) had their device always or very frequently; 32 (28%) and 21 (18%) had the device rarely or never; 72 (63%) had never used one and most felt not at all confident (31%) or very little confident (27%) in knowing when and how to use one. Conclusion These results demonstrate the psychosocial impact of PA on allergic individuals and their caregivers in France, and highlight the need to include a psychological evaluation during personalized care and treatment of individuals with PA.