The following is a summary of “Quality of life is lower in food allergic adolescents compared to young children at a community educational symposium,” published in the November 2023 issue of Allergy & Immunology by Nguyen et al. 

Food allergies (FA) can have a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) in pediatric patients, affecting them physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Given the transitions from childhood to adolescence, the influence of FA on QoL is likely evolving with age. This study explored potential differences in QoL between adolescents and children with FA who participated in a Food Allergy Symposium (FAS).

Patients with confirmed FA were recruited during educational community symposia in September 2018 and September 2019. Participants, including patients or their parents, were asked to complete the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaires (FAQLQ). The Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) was utilized to assess accidental food exposure and disease severity concerns. Higher FAIM and FAQLQ scores indicated worse QoL. Summary scores were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher’s exact test, or the Chi-square test.

A total of 74 surveys were included, with 82% representing children and 18% adolescents. The FAQLQ total score was higher among adolescents than children (median 5.2 vs. 4.2; p = 0.045), while the FAIM was lower in adolescents (median 2.2 vs. 2.8; p = 0.037). A higher percentage of adolescents reported previous anaphylaxis compared to children (91.7% vs 51.8%; p = 0.011). Additionally, more adolescents felt reassured by carrying epinephrine (81.8% vs 45.8%; p = 0.046). However, no other QoL scores and survey responses showed significant differences.

This study suggests that adolescents may exhibit greater concerns about their disease and find reassurance in carrying epinephrine compared to younger children, potentially reflecting increased autonomy and responsibility. Community events such as the Food Allergy Symposium are valuable platforms for assessing QoL and offering FA-related education to pediatric patients.

Source: aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-023-00853-9