[Prevention and prediction of food allergies on Instagram: a systematic evaluation]

Based on the increasing use of social media and the paradigm shift in allergy prevention, the aim was to examine the type and content of Instagram posts on the prevention and prediction of food allergies. In addition, the extent to which the content of the posts reflects the current S3 guideline on allergy prevention was examined.

Based on Stieglitz and Dang-Xuan's (2013) framework for social media analysis, 103 Instagram posts were identified and processed using a hashtag search from June 8 to June 15, 2023. A content-structuring content analysis according to Kuckartz (2018) was conducted to evaluate the content and describe the authors and addressees. The content was assessed for its alignment with the current S3 guideline on allergy prevention using an evaluative content analysis according to Kuckartz (2018).

Dietitians represented the largest group of authors with 31.1%, while the remaining authors were divided in 14 other categories. The main addressees of the posts are parents (81.6%). The information available on Instagram regarding the prevention and prediction of food allergies is heterogeneous, but mostly in line with guidelines regarding the introduction of complementary foods and breastfeeding. Overall, 13.2% of the articles contained statements on allergy prevention that were not in line with the current S3 guideline. This was particularly evident in posts about breastfeeding, hydrolyzed infant formula, and introduction of complementary foods, which were posted before the current guideline was published. In addition to prevention and prediction, the Instagram posts also covered other topics, such as the definition of food allergies, including the description of causes, allergens and cross-allergies, as well as their distinction from intolerances. In the comments, mothers in particular shared their experiences and asked questions about the introduction of complementary foods.

Specifically, prevention recommendations that have been updated from the previous version of the guideline are often not presented in their current form on Instagram. Accordingly, the content should be evaluated critically by users. There is a need for further research in the area of the user perspective, particularly with regard to parental usage and its impact on the prevention and prediction of food allergies in children.