Feeding characteristics in young children with IgE-mediated food allergies: A cross-sectional observational study

Research is limited regarding the intersection between Immunoglobulin-E (IgE)-mediated food allergies and paediatric feeding Disorder (PFD). The impact on caregivers managing a child with both conditions also remains poorly understood.

This study aimed to explore feeding characteristics in young children with IgE-mediated food allergies to identify the proportion of children who may be at risk of PFD, and to examine associations between risk of PFD and caregiver-reported stress and feeding-related quality of life.

A cross-sectional cohort (N = 107) of caregivers of children aged 0;6-4;11 years, with at least one diagnosed IgE-mediated food allergy, was recruited from three paediatric allergy clinics. Validated caregiver-reported questionnaires were used to assess feeding behaviours, caregiver stress and feeding-related quality of life.

Seventeen (16%) children were identified as being at risk of PFD based on the Behavioural Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale-Total Frequency Score (BPFAS-TFS). Across the cohort, caregiver stress fell within the expected range. However, caregivers of children at risk of PFD reported significantly higher levels of stress on the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) (p < .001) and poorer feeding-related quality of life on the Feeding Swallowing-Impact Scale (FS-IS) (p < .001).

Sixteen percent of children with IgE-mediated food allergies screened as being at risk of PFD, suggesting that screening and assessment of PFD are valuable in this population. More frequent difficult mealtime behaviours were associated with increased caregiver stress and lower feeding-related quality of life. Health services must recognise the compounded stressors of managing both food allergies and feeding behaviours/PFD to deliver holistic, family-centred care.