Study population
This study was carried out in the primary caregivers (mothers/fathers)
of patients aged 12 years and younger who were diagnosed with TNA in
Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric
Allergy between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. For primary
parenting, parents were given the autonomy to determine the primary
caregiver, with the understanding that the primary parent is the one
primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing. In cases
where there was uncertainty, the preference was given to the parent who
prioritized the child’s health, especially in the context of FAs. All
patients were required to have sensitization to the relevant tree nut by
skin prick test, extract-specific IgE and allergen molecule specific IgE
(Ana o 3/Pis v 1 for cashew/pistachio, Cor a 14/Cor a 9/Cor a 11 for
hazelnut, Jug r 1/Jug r 2 for walnut).2 The diagnosis
of TNA was required to be made at least 6 months ago by the presence of
a consistent history or positive outcome at the oral food challenge
(OFC) or high level of sensitivity as described
previously.3,4 Parents who could not be contacted, who
did not give informed consent, and whose child was older than 12 years
of age were not included into the study. The study protocol was reviewed
and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Hacettepe University
(21/745) and those who gave informed consent for the study completed the
questionnaire. Those who participated during the routine outpatient
visit, filled out the questionnaire via computer, while those who were
contacted by phone called filled out the questionnaire via their mobile
devices.