001066 - The Impact of Bee Sting Experiences on Quality of Life and Perceived Health Threat in Korean Beekeepers with Bee Venom Allergy

Bee venom allergy significantly impacts individuals' quality of life (QoL) and perceived health risks. This study investigates how the type, frequency, and severity of bee sting reactions influence QoL and health threat perceptions, particularly among populations with high exposure to bee stings, such as beekeepers.

This analysis explored the relationship between beekeeping activities, systemic reaction timing, large local reactions (LLR; significant swelling ≥10 cm), and the diversity of bee sting experiences with QoL scores in 141 Korean beekeepers. Participants were stratified based on sting type (honeybee, paper wasp, yellow jacket), systemic reaction severity (grade 1–4), and the number of different sting types experienced (1 vs. 2+). Group comparisons of mean QoL scores were performed using Mann-Whitney U tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. The Ring and Messmer severity grading scale was applied to assess systemic reactions. QoL was evaluated using the Korean Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (VQLQ-K), consisting of 14 items and two Expectation of Outcome (EoO) questions.

The mean age of participants was 63.2 years (range: 31–81), and 52% were male. Among participants, 87.6% reported direct exposure to bees during beekeeping. LLR reactions significantly influenced health threat perceptions. Those with recent LLR experiences reported higher fear of death (mean = 4.21 vs. 3.93; p = 0.018) and critical physical threat (mean = 4.72 vs. 4.31; p = 0.032). Similarly, lifetime LLR experiences correlated with increased fear of death (mean = 4.33 vs. 3.75; p = 0.004) and perceived physical threat (mean = 4.85 vs. 4.22; p = 0.002). Recent LLR experiences (within 6 months) were associated with worse QoL (mean = 3.61 vs. 2.83; p = 0.012). Participants exposed to 2+ types of stings exhibited poorer QoL compared to those with single sting experiences (mean = 3.21 vs. 2.29; p = 0.037).

The severity, diversity, and recency of bee sting reactions significantly affect QoL and health threat perceptions in Korean beekeepers with venom allergies. These findings underscore the need for education on epinephrine injection and immunotherapy to mitigate the physical and psychological impacts of venom allergy. Targeted interventions, including counseling and educational programs, are essential for this high-risk occupational group.