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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Food allergy knowledge, attitudes and beliefs: Focus groups of parents, physicians and the general public

Authors: Ruchi S Gupta, Jennifer S Kim, Julia A Barnathan, Laura B Amsden, Lakshmi S Tummala, Jane L Holl

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

Food allergy prevalence is increasing in US children. Presently, the primary means of preventing potentially fatal reactions are avoidance of allergens, prompt recognition of food allergy reactions, and knowledge about food allergy reaction treatments. Focus groups were held as a preliminary step in the development of validated survey instruments to assess food allergy knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of parents, physicians, and the general public.

Methods

Eight focus groups were conducted between January and July of 2006 in the Chicago area with parents of children with food allergy (3 groups), physicians (3 groups), and the general public (2 groups). A constant comparative method was used to identify the emerging themes which were then grouped into key domains of food allergy knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.

Results

Parents of children with food allergy had solid fundamental knowledge but had concerns about primary care physicians' knowledge of food allergy, diagnostic approaches, and treatment practices. The considerable impact of children's food allergies on familial quality of life was articulated. Physicians had good basic knowledge of food allergy but differed in their approach to diagnosis and advice about starting solids and breastfeeding. The general public had wide variation in knowledge about food allergy with many misconceptions of key concepts related to prevalence, definition, and triggers of food allergy.

Conclusion

Appreciable food allergy knowledge gaps exist, especially among physicians and the general public. The quality of life for children with food allergy and their families is significantly affected.
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Metadata
Title
Food allergy knowledge, attitudes and beliefs: Focus groups of parents, physicians and the general public
Authors
Ruchi S Gupta
Jennifer S Kim
Julia A Barnathan
Laura B Amsden
Lakshmi S Tummala
Jane L Holl
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-8-36

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