D1.273 - Burden of food allergy on daily life and emotions in children and parents: Insights from the IPAA French Cohort

Food allergy (FA) in children not only affects medical outcomes but also on wellbeing, social activities, and family dynamics. Despite recent therapeutic advances, the psychosocial burden of FA remains poorly documented in France.

Objectives

To assess the social, emotional, and daily consequences of FA in children and their parents, and to identify factors associated with increased burden.

This multicentre study was conducted in four paediatric allergy departments in the Paris area. Children and parents completed structured questionnaires assessing emotional distress, social exclusion, and daily constraints related to FA during day-hospital visits. Clinical and demographic data were also collected.

250 families were included, representing 344 respondents (102 children and 242 parents). Most children reported feelings of loneliness (92.7%), being different from others (88.2%), and frustration (78.5%), frequently or very frequently. Limitations in daily choices were common, particularly for social events (85.3%), and FA often required additional planning in daily life (81.2%) and special activities (77.2%). Among parents, 85.5% reported daily stress related to their child’s FA, and 78.5% reported frustration. Exclusion from school cafeterias and cow’s milk allergy were associated with higher levels of isolation, anxiety, emotional strain, and daily restrictions.

Children with FA and their families still experience a substantial psychosocial burden. These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological support, adapted education, and increased societal awareness into comprehensive allergy management