New Survey Reveals Emotional Impact of Food Allergy on Children
A recent survey was released in September by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) a nonprofit and the trusted source in food allergies, and Galaxy Nutritional Foods, a leading producer of cheese alternatives. The study examined parents’ perspectives on the emotional impact that food allergies have on their children.
Nearly 70% of the parents of children with food allergies surveyed said having a food allergy has impacted their child’s quality of life. 40% indicated their child’s life was impacted “somewhat,” and 29% “a great deal.” Some of the survey findings include:
Parents’ Feelings Regarding Food Allergy
- 90% of parents feel protective
- 62% of parents feel fearful
- 50% of parents feel frustrated
Parents’ Perspective of Child’s Feeling Regarding Food Allergy
- 48% of parents believe their child feels frustrated
- 39% of parents believe their child feels fearful
- 37% of parents believe their child feels isolated
The survey explored participation in everyday life events — activities that most of the general population takes for granted. For parents of children with food allergies, common events such as eating out at a restaurant, attending a birthday party, or sleeping over at a friends’ house can be concerning. According to the parents surveyed, they choose not to have their children participate in many of these everyday life events.
- 71% of parents said their child had not eaten at a restaurant with friends or family due to concerns about food allergies
- 45% of parents said their child had not visited the homes of certain friends due to concerns about possible exposure to allergens
- 42% of parents said their child had not attended an overnight event, such as a sleepover or camp, due to concerns about a food allergy
- 41% of parents said their child had not attended a social event by choice, such as another child’s birthday party or a play date, due to concerns about a food allergy
The survey also asked parents about food allergy prevalence in schools and societal understanding of the medical condition. According to the survey, 47% of parents indicated that they were aware of 1 to 2 other children in their child’s classroom who also had food allergies. This finding is in line with the latest statistics that show 1 in 13U.S.children have a food allergy, according to a study published in June by Pediatrics, the journal of theAmericanAcademyof Pediatrics.
Highlights of the survey findings can be viewed at: http://www.galaxyfoods.com/landing/galaxy-faan-survey-results/
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