The F3A-App: Interactive Software for Children with Food Allergies

Abstract

U E S D A Y 828 The F3A-App: Interactive Software for Children with Food Allergies Elizabeth L. McQuaid, PhD, ABPP, Michael L. Farrow, MA, Cynthia Esteban, MSN, MPH, Barbara N. Jandasek, PhD, Susan A. Rudders, MD, Dawn McDaniel, PhD, Josh Spitalnick, PhD, ABPP; Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Division of Asthma and Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Providence, RI, Virtually Better, Inc, Decatur, GA, Citrine Tchnologies, LLC, Atlanta, GA. RATIONALE: Pediatric food allergy (FA) is increasingly common, yet few interventions exist to promote effective management in school-aged children. METHODS: We utilized focus groups and expert panel input to design a prototype of the Friends, Family, and Food App (FA-App) a computerized intervention for school-aged children with FA. The FA-App consists of: a school cafeteria scene where the child interacts with virtual peers and adults; two fast-paced, multi-tiered games to build skills in food avoidance and symptom awareness; and a reward system where the child earns points to decorate an animated aquarium. Skills of food avoidance, symptom recognition/management, and responding to bullying/teasing are emphasized. We evaluated feasibility and preliminary efficacy in an open trial of families (n 5 32) with children (ages 8-12, 44% female) with documented FA to peanut/tree nut. RESULTS: The FA-App was well-received by families (84% would probably/definitely recommend to others). Most children (76%) reported feeling ‘‘less nervous’’ about ‘‘what it might be like getting a shot during an allergic reaction’’; analyses revealed increased self-efficacy using epinephrine (t 5 2.24, p < .05), and trends toward increased knowledge of ‘‘what would happen’’ during a reaction (t 5 1.98, p 5 .06) and confidence to stay calm during reactions (t 5 1.98, p 5 .06). Many parents (62%) reported that the FA-App prompted family discussions regarding the social pressures of FA, including bullying. CONCLUSIONS: Computerized interventions may be a useful channel to enhance children’s confidence regardingFAmanagement and facilitate family communication regarding the stresses of FA management around peers.