Food Allergy Awareness and Nutritional Management by Preschoolers’ Parents and Faculties of Childcare Centers

This study was done to investigate the awareness and nutritional management of preschoolers with food allergy by their parents and faculties of childcare centers. Total 158 parents of preschoolers and 171 faculties of 137 childcare centers were recruited between July and September, 2015. The questionnaire for parents included a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood(ISAAC) questionnaire and questions regarding food frequency and knowledge related to food allergy. The preschoolers were divided into 3 groups, food allergy(FA), other allergy(OA), and non allergy(NO) groups. The rate of preschoolers who had experienced food allergy was 38.6% and diagnosed as food allergy by doctor was 17.7%. Family history of allergy significantly (p<0.001) affected allergic group. Forty nine preschoolers(80.3%) with food allergy had food restriction and twenty three preschoolers(37.7%) had self‐restriction without diagnosis. The major allergenic foods were eggs, milk, wheat, processed foods in FA group. The consumption frequency of allergenic foods in FA group such as ramyeon, noodles, bread, eggs, yourt and ice cream were significantly lower than those of the other two groups. Parents’ overall food allergy‐related knowledge was insufficient. Only 16.5% of parents had received education about food allergies. Most of parents wanted substitute menu for children with food allergy. Analysis on food allergy management by childcare centers showed that 70% of childcare centers asked parents about their children's allergic disease and 151 children from 67 childcare centers had food allergies. But 21% of childcare centers didn't know food restriction for food allergy children. Only 14% of childcare centers supplied substitute foods with the same amounts and types of nutrients. Only 28% of faculties received training about food allergies. Most of faculties wanted food allergy‐related supports. Overall results showed a lack of food allergy training for preschooler's parents and faculties of childcare centers. Therefore it is necessary for both parents and childcare center faculties to get comprehensive training on food allergy for better management. Particularly, food allergy‐related supports such as substitute menus without allergenic ingredients, guidelines for food allergy and anaphylaxis emergency care, etc, should be provided for parents and faculties