The Impact of Food Allergy on the Daily Activities of Children and Their Families

Abstract

Bollinger ME, Dahlquist LM, Mudd K, Sonntag C, Dillinger L, McKenna K. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol . 2006;96:415–421 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY. To determine the impact of food allergy on the daily life and activities of food-allergic children and their families. STUDY POPULATION. The study included 87 families with food-allergic children who ranged in age from birth to 18 years and attended a regularly scheduled clinic visit at the University of Maryland allergy practice (Baltimore, MD). METHODS. A 32-item questionnaire was completed by the caregiver of the food-allergic child. The questionnaire evaluated the caregiver's perception of the impact of the child's food allergy on 8 aspects of daily family activities: meal preparation, family social activities, caregiver-supervised child social activities, autonomous child social activities, school activities, family relations, caregiver stress and free time, and employment and finances. The caregiver rated each item as to its affect on a 7-point scale (1 indicating not at all and 7 indicating very much). RESULTS. More than 60% of the families reported that food allergy affected meal preparation, and approximately ≥50% families indicated that food allergy significantly affected their family social activities. Greater than 50% of the caregivers felt that food allergy affected their child's “playing at friend's house” as well as autonomous social activities such as birthday parties and sleepovers. Forty-one percent of caregivers reported significant impact on their stress levels secondary to their child's food allergy. Food allergy seemed to have a smaller impact on school attendance; only 34% of the families reported a significant affect, and 10% reported choosing to homeschool their children because of the food allergy. Parental employment, finances, and family relations were not significantly affected. The total number of food allergies for each child was significantly associated with the impact of food allergy on activity scores; however, neither the specific food to which the child was allergic nor the history of a previous anaphylactic reaction was related. Having a comorbid condition such as asthma and/or atopic dermatitis did not significantly affect the results. CONCLUSIONS. Food allergy has a significant effect on the activities of daily living. Additional studies are needed to determine more detailed effects of food allergy on parent-child interactions, family relationships, and child development. REVIEWER COMMENTS. It is important that the medical community recognize not only the medical significance of a food-allergy diagnosis but the emotional significance as well. Often, parents are unsure of where to turn for help. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network ([www.foodallergy.org][1]) is a helpful resource for the nuts and bolts of avoidance and strategies for day-to-day living. Children with food allergies may be at risk for difficulties with their social and emotional development. Thus, it is important that pediatric health practitioners address these issues with children and their families and, if needed, refer to mental health services. [1]: http://www.foodallergy.org