Investigation of Quality of Life Determinants in Children with Food Allergies

Food allergy (FA) in children impacts their own and their family quality of life (QoL). The association of specific FA factors with the various domains of health-related QoL (HRQL) in children is unclear.

The aim of this study was to evaluate FA characteristics in primary school children as determinants of components of HRQL.

Children with FA were recruited from the allergy clinic of a tertiary children's hospital. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from their records, and 3 HRQL questionnaires were administered: the FA QoL Questionnaire-Child Form (FAQLQ-CF), the FA independent measure (FAIM), and the Pediatric QoL Questionnaire (PedsQL™). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to investigate the correlation between FA characteristics and the scores on the HRQL scales. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was set at p < 0.0002.

Of 172 primary schoolchildren with FA invited to take part, 110 participated (response rate 64%), of whom 83 (75.5%) were male, aged 7.5-12.3 years (mean 10.0 ± 1.4) years. From 38 demographic and clinical characteristics, 10 were excluded on initial data analysis and 28 proceeded to bivariate analysis with the scores on FAQLQ-CF, FAIM, PedsQL™, and their subscales. Most of the 28 showed no correlation with the scores; only 4 were entered into multivariate analysis with FAQLQ-CF and PedsQL™ scores, none of which, finally showed significant association.

The HRQL of children with FA did not depend on gender, age, number, and type of allergen or the characteristics of the most severe allergic reaction.