Exploring Quality of Life and Parental Anxiety in Children with Tree Nut Allergies

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.