Quality of Life in Families with Food Hypersensitive Children
Author Information
Author(s): Marklund Birgitta, Ahlstedt Staffan, Nordström Gun
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet
Hypothesis
How do allergy-associated parameters, age, and gender relate to child, parent, and family health-related quality of life (HRQL)?
Conclusion
Food hypersensitivity is associated with a strong psychosocial impact on children and their families, particularly when additional allergic diseases are present.
Supporting Evidence
- 75% of children with food hypersensitivity also had allergic diseases.
- Parents reported lower HRQL scores when their child had additional allergic diseases.
- Food-induced gastro-intestinal symptoms were linked to lower parental HRQL.
Takeaway
Kids who are sensitive to certain foods can make their whole family feel stressed and worried, especially if they also have other allergies.
Methodology
A postal questionnaire was sent to parents of 220 schoolchildren with food hypersensitivity, with a 74% response rate, using the CHQ-PF28 and a study-specific questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on parental perceptions and self-reported data.
Limitations
The study relied on parent-reported data, which may not fully capture the child's HRQL.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 8-19 years, with a mean age of 12.5 years; 53% girls and 47% boys.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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