Social and financial impacts of food allergy on the economically disadvantaged and advantaged families: A qualitative interview study.

BACKGROUND

Differences in the qualitatively-perceived burden of food allergy based on economic disadvantages have not been previously described.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the perceptions of food allergy-related social and financial issues of families who have a child with food allergy, considering the similarities and differences between economically advantaged and disadvantaged families.

METHODS

From March to July 2019, we interviewed parents of children being followed up for food allergy at a tertiary allergy clinic in central Canada. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Economic groups were categorized on the basis of the national cutoffs for low-income after-tax dollars.

RESULTS

We interviewed 18 parents (17 [94.4% mothers]) of whom 6 (33.3%) were economically disadvantaged, and who represented 25 children (10 [40.0%] girls) with food allergy. We identified 3 common themes: food allergy had (1) resulted in the need to teach others in addition to contributing to tensions in relationships; (2) increased time costs for food shopping and preparation; and (3) contributed to concerns securing qualified child care. We also identified 2 divergent themes that underscored how this burden was perceived between economic groups: (1) medications and medical appointments are costly or inconvenient; and (2) allergy-friendly food choices: single vs several sources and servings.

CONCLUSION

Despite some qualitative similarities in the social and financial burdens of food allergy, there are some notable differences between economic groups that underscore the need for further discussions surrounding the related policy.