The Cellie Coping Kit for Children with Food Allergy: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The prevalence of pediatric food allergies has increased in children by 50% from 1997 to 2011, affecting 1 in 13 children in the United States. Food allergies can have short- and long-term emotional and physical consequences, which may result in challenges for both children and caregivers. Currently, to our knowledge, there are no low-cost, easily available, evidence-based psychosocial resources for children with food allergies and their families. The Cellie Coping Kit for Food Allergies was created to address this need. This study examined the acceptability and feasibility of the Cellie Coping Kit as an intervention and explored the learning outcomes associated with the kit. Twenty-five children (between ages 7 and 13 with 1 or more food allergies) and their caregivers were recruited from an outpatient clinic while participating in an oral food challenge. Children and caregivers were introduced to the Cellie Coping Kit following their food challenge. Four weeks later, follow-up assessments were completed to evaluate participants' impressions of the intervention. The results suggest that children and caregivers found the Cellie Coping Kit acceptable and feasible. Most (80%–100%) participants thought the intervention materials were trustworthy, found the kit easy to use, liked the appearance of the kit, and would recommend the intervention to others. Approximately 65% of children and 60% of caregivers reported learning from the Cellie Coping Kit. The Cellie Coping Kit for Children with Food Allergies was generally well received by children with food allergies and their families. The Cellie Coping Kit can be used to help facilitate dialog between children and caregivers about food allergy-related issues. While results are promising, additional research (especially in younger children and those newly diagnosed) is needed to determine if the intervention is achieving targeted goals (ie, coping behaviors and improved adherence to medical recommendations).