Predictors of psychosocial burden in parents of children with food allergy

Kubala S, Young F, Callier V et al. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2026; 0

Abstract

Background

The psychosocial burden of food allergy (FA) impacts the entire family, particularly the affected child and their parents.

Objective

To evaluate psychosocial parental burden (PB) in families of children with FA, identify factors associated with PB, and assess its relationship with child-reported and parent-proxy food allergy quality of life (FAQOL).

Methods

A total of 114 children aged 2 to 17 years with IgE–mediated FA and their parents (mothers = 86.5%) completed validated age-specific FAQOL and PB questionnaires. Associations between demographic and clinical variables and scores were analyzed.

Results

Strict allergen avoidance and trace reactions relate to PB.

Greater PB was associated with more frequent and/or severe reactions, reactions to trace allergen exposures, multiple FAs, wheat or unbaked milk or egg allergy, and/or a history of oral food challenge (regardless of outcome).

Strict allergen avoidance practices were associated with worse PB; a parent working in healthcare was associated with better PB. The age, sex, ethnicity, and/or race of the child had no significant association. The PB scores correlated with FAQOL scores in children younger than 13 years, but not in children aged 13 years and older. Where both parental-proxy FAQOL and self-reported child FAQOL forms were available (age 8-12 years), scores were similar for questions pertaining to allergen avoidance and dietary restrictions, but parents reported less emotional impact of FA on their children than the children themselves reported.

Conclusion

The number and severity of reactions, the type and number of FA, parents in the medical profession, and avoidance practices are associated with impacts on PB. The psychosocial well-being of parents was correlated with that of their children until age 13 years, but not after. Parents may underestimate the emotional impact of FA on their older children.

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