Health-Related Quality of Life in Children, 1-12 Years Old, With Food Allergy in Sweden

Food allergy in children is a potentially serious condition. Continuous allergen avoidance and risk of anaphylaxis can cause stress, fear and anxiety. The aim of this study was to describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with food allergies in Sweden, and to examine the impact of age, sex, disease severity and the number of food allergies.

This cross-sectional study included parents of children, 1-12 years old, with food allergies. Fifty-two parents completed the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Parental Form (FAQLQ-PF) online.

Persistent food allergy was reported in 48 (92%) children. Those who had an epinephrine autoinjector, more than three allergies, symptoms affecting 4-6 organ systems, or an allergy to cow's milk reported worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than those without. Age, sex and history of anaphylaxis did not significantly impact HRQoL.

Children with food allergies face reduced HRQoL when burdened by multiple allergens, widespread symptoms or cow's milk allergy, especially those prescribed epinephrine autoinjectors. Identifying and supporting these high-risk groups is essential to improving their well-being.