Exploring Quality of Life and Parental Anxiety in Children with Tree Nut
Allergies
Abstract
Background: Food allergies, particularly their severe and
persistent forms, have a significant impact on children’s quality of
life (QoL). Understanding and enhancing QoL is a crucial component of
food allergy management. This study aimed to evaluate the QoL of Turkish
children aged 0-12 years with IgE-mediated tree nut allergies (TNA) and
explore influential factors, including parental anxiety.
Methods: Primary caregiver-parents of children diagnosed with
TNA completed the valid and reliable Food Allergy Quality of Life
Questionnaire-Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
(STAI) to assess QoL and parental anxiety, respectively.
Results: The study included 88 parents, predominantly mothers
(83%). The children had a median age of 12 months (IQR 7.25-19.5). The
mean FAQLQ-PF score was 3.55±1.34 without a statistical significance
between age groups (0-3 years 3.15±1.28; 4-6 years 3.76±1.42; 7-12 years
3.73±1.19). Parents reported significantly worse FAQLQ-PF scores for
children with hazelnut allergy, with a history of anaphylaxis, and who
had to use an adrenaline autoinjector. State and trait anxiety scores
were strongly correlated (r=0.584, p<0.001). There was
significant but weak correlations between FAQLQ-PF and STAI domains. The
multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that having a hazelnut
allergy, a history of anaphylaxis, and higher parental state anxiety
were all associated with poorer FAQLQ-PF scores, but, fathers tended to
report better level of QoL. Conclusions: The QoL of Turkish
children with TNA, as reported by parents, is influenced by various
factors. Understanding and addressing these factors are crucial for a
deeper understanding of how to enhance the accuracy of QoL assessment.