The Effect of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in Children on Caregivers' Lives: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The objective of this pilot study was to assess the impact of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children on social and emotional aspects of the caregivers' lives. A five-item self-administered questionnaire was completed by 78 caregivers. The questionnaire assessed the following items: caregivers' worries about their child's health, caregivers' abilities to pursue social activities as well as non-work and work-related activities, and caregivers' abilities to work and to be productive at work. Results revealed that 66.7% of caregivers worry about the effects of allergies on their child's health; 28.2% of caregivers feel that their child's allergies interfere with their own social activities, while 21.8% feel that it interferes with their ability to conduct non-work-related daily activities. Among employed caregivers, 10.3% declared being affected in their ability to work, 8.2% declared being affected in their ability to be productive at work, and 12.3% missed work because of their child's allergies. Finally, we found that the use of outside, nonmedical services for the prevention of allergies was rarely sought by caregivers. A significant proportion of caregivers were concerned about their child's health. A lower number, but significant proportion of caregivers, felt restrained in their ability to pursue social and non-work-related activities. Similar conclusions were reached when caregivers were stratified by employment status. However, unemployed caregivers were significantly more affected than employed caregivers in their ability to conduct non-work-related activities. (Peditr Asthma Allergy Immunol 2000;14(2):119–124.)