Work

Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children, 1–12 Years Old, With Food Allergy in Sweden

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: Food allergy in children is a potentially serious condition. Continuous allergen avoidance and risk of anaphylaxis can cause stress, fear and anxiety. The aim of this study was to describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with food allergies in Sweden, and to examine the impact of age, sex, disease severity and the number of food allergies. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included parents of children, 1-12 years old, with food allergies. Fifty-two parents completed the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Parental Form (FAQLQ-PF) online. RESULTS: Persistent food allergy was reported in 48 (92%) children. Those who had an epinephrine autoinjector, more than three allergies, symptoms affecting 4-6 organ systems, or an allergy to cow's milk reported worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than those without. Age, sex and history of anaphylaxis did not significantly impact HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Children with food allergies face reduced HRQoL when burdened by multiple allergens, widespread symptoms or cow's milk allergy, especially those prescribed epinephrine autoinjectors. Identifying and supporting these high-risk groups is essential to improving their well-being.

Source: Acta Paediatrica

DOI: 10.1111/apa.70362

Authors: Linnéa Nordh, Elisabet Severin, Charlotte Angelhoff

Institutions: Region Östergötland, Linköping University

Language: English

Topic: Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research

Subfield: Immunology and Allergy

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,480