Development and validation of quality-of-life questionnaire for children with food allergy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Children with food allergies must eliminate allergenic foods from their daily diet and face the risk of accidental ingestion, which can reduce their quality of life (QOL). Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate a Japanese QOL questionnaire consisting of approximately 10 items, specifically designed to align with Japanese cultural and social practices for children with food allergies. Methods: We collected QOL-related events through free-text responses obtained from children aged 9 to 15 years with food allergies and developed a preliminary questionnaire. Based on responses to the primary questionnaire, factor analysis was performed to select items, resulting in a secondary questionnaire comprising 9 items across 3 factors. To validate the secondary questionnaire, we examined its correlation with KINDL, a comprehensive health-related QOL scale for children. Additionally, we compared secondary-questionnaire scores according to the severity of food allergies. Results: A total of 170 children completed the secondary questionnaire, which showed a weak correlation with KINDL ( r = −0.283; P < 0.001). Children who were allergic to 2 or more commonly consumed foods (hen’s eggs, milk, and wheat) scored higher on the questionnaire (≥2 foods vs <2 foods; total score, 0.89 vs 0.56; P = 0.045), indicating lower QOL. However, the secondary questionnaire did not distinguish participants who reported anaphylaxis in the past 3 years. Conclusion: The developed questionnaire demonstrated validity as a QOL instrument for children with food allergies. This tool may improve pediatric food-allergy management, including oral food-challenge tests, oral immunotherapy, and educational programs, contributing to enhanced clinical practice and social support.
Source: Asia Pacific Allergy
Institutions: Fukuoka Hospital, Okayama University, Fukuyama City Hospital, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Kumamoto University Hospital, National Hospital Organization Shimoshizu Hospital, Fukuoka Children's Hospital and Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, National Mie Hospital, National Sagamihara Hospital, Fujita Health University, Nagoya City University, Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology and Allergy
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7140276181