Factors associated with good adherence to self-care behaviours amongst adolescents with food allergy

What is it about?

Our study of 188 young people with food allergy found that whilst most tried to avoid foods which they knew they were allergic to, less reported carrying their auto-injector at all times or asked about ingredients when eating in restaurants or at friends' houses. We found that better adherence to self-care behaviours (e.g. carrying an auto-injector and avoidance of allergens) were associated with having an anaphylaxis management plan and being a member of an allergy/anaphylaxis support group. Young people who thought of their food allergy as more severe and reported fewer barriers to managing food allergy also reported good adherence.

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Why is it important?

This is the first paper to provide estimates of adolescent adherence behaviours related to food allergy. The paper drives home the importance of allergy support groups and management plans.