INTRODUCTION
Tree nut allergy (TNA) is the most common form of IgE-mediated food allergy (FA) in Turkey, and it is distinguished by its persistence and potential for life-threatening reactions.1 This allergy is highly prevalent in Turkey due to the widespread use of tree nuts in Turkish cuisine and the country’s Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for tree nut cultivation.2-5
Tree nut allergies can have a significant impact on quality of life (QoL), extending beyond mere dietary considerations. Affected individuals may encounter challenges in fully participating in social and daily activities, potentially resulting in heightened anxiety and a compromised QoL. QoL is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s overall well-being and satisfaction across diverse dimensions, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects.6,7 The Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Parents of Children with Food Allergy (FAQLQ-PF) is an internationally recognized instrument renowned for its validity and reliability.8 It is designed to gauge the quality of life related to FAs in children from the parental perspective. Given the significance of both TNA and QoL, there is a compelling need for well-informed and inclusive approaches aimed at enhancing the health and happiness of individuals, both within and beyond Turkey.
Our study endeavors to measure the FA related QoL (FARQL) of children impacted by TNAs, as perceived by their parents, and to explore the factors, including parental anxiety, that influence this assessment and its accuracy.