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Exploring Quality of Life and Parental Anxiety in Children with Tree Nut Allergies
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  • Bulent Sekerel,
  • Zehra Genç,
  • Aysegul Akarsu,
  • Umit Sahiner,
  • Özge Soyer
Bulent Sekerel
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi

Corresponding Author:b_sekerel@yahoo.com

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Zehra Genç
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Aysegul Akarsu
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Umit Sahiner
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Özge Soyer
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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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.
16 Oct 2023Submitted to Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
16 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
16 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
16 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Oct 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned