Quality of life among caregivers of food allergic children

Monday, 01 November 2010 11:23

Caregivers in USA who are responsible for managing their child's food allergy report a significantly lower quality of life if their child had been to the emergency department for food allergy in the past year, according to a recent survey conducted by researchers in Chicago, Illinois. Those who care for children with multiple food allergies or an allergy to a specific food also contributes to a lower quality of life.

Information was collected from 1,126 caregivers across the United States using the Food Allergy Quality of Life–Parental Burden questionnaire from January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009. Findings showed the impact of food allergy on caregiver quality of life varied widely. However, the most consistent response from caregivers was with regard to social limitations resulting from their child's food allergy.

Reference: Springston et al. 2010, Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Vol 105 (4), pp. 287-294.e3 DOI:10.1016/j.anai.2010.08.003