Teenagers with food allergy studied

Monday, 28 June 2010 17:01

Researchers based in the UK have conducted a qualitative study of teenagers living with food hypersensitivity to gain a better understanding of their experiences. It is hoped a greater knowledge of these experiences will inform the care of this group who are at high-risk of food-hypersensitivity fatalities.

Interviews were conducted with 21 teenagers (13–18 yr) with food hypersensitivity to a variety of foods. The participants described ways in which the burden of living with food hypersensitivity was alleviated or exacerbated by others. Management of food hypersensitivity was based on an assessment of acceptable risk resulting in varying levels of precaution taking. The authors believe teenagers with food hypersensitivity need to be regularly assessed to gauge their understanding of their condition and their ability to cope with it. A requirement for educational and psychological support can then be structured to ensure risk-taking behaviour is minimised.

Reference: MacKenzie et al. 2010. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Vol 21 (4p1). pp.595 – 602. DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2009.00938.x