An insight into affected Australian parents' lived experiences with children's food allergy

Background: International research has documented the psychosocial impacts of food allergy on affected children and their families. Yet, there is limited or no Australian research on parents’ lived experiences of children’s food allergy. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an insight into Australian mothers’ perceptions and perspectives of children’s food allergy management. It will add to the body of knowledge on the medical management of food allergy by giving insights into parents’ personal, social and emotional components of children’s food allergy management. Method: This study was funded by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. It employed a qualitative methodology. Only parents of young children aged between 4.5–5.5 years with a diagnosed food allergy and non-members of A&AA were recruited in the study. Using the Photo Elicitation Interview (PEI) method, 10 Australian mothers living in Sydney were interviewed on a range of topics, including managing children’s food allergy in their homes and communities. Results: The results revealed the psychosocial dynamics of food allergy management. Many mothers reported to be anxious, lacked confidence in the use of EpiPen or Anapen and highlighted the extra encumbrances associated with their children’s safe participation in social events. Further, they were also concerned about their young children’s capacity to take agency and control in staying safe. Conclusion: The broad implications of these findings are that there is a need to acknowledge the psychosocial impacts of children’s food allergy on families, in particular on mothers and offer the socio-emotional interventions that they need in adapting to and coping with children’s food allergy.