- Two thirds of adults and three quarters of caregivers experience psychological distress related to managing food allergies
- The most commonly reported concern is an allergic reaction, which is particularly relevant in Anaphylaxis Awareness Week 2024
- Only a fifth of those in the study reported accessing psychological support for food allergy.
Psychological distress is common amongst those living with food allergy, but a new study co-led by a researcher at Aston University has shown that little support is available to those who are struggling.
1-7 October 2024 is Anaphylaxis Awareness Week, the theme of which is the emotional impact of allergies, so the research is particularly relevant.
Two thirds of adults with food allergies and three quarters of adult caregivers reported psychological distress related to food allergy, according to new research co-led by Aston University’s Professor Rebecca Knibb. In the UK and Canada fewer than 10% of participants were screened for psychological conditions as part of a routine food allergy appointment, while only a fifth of participants in the study reported accessing psychological support for food allergies.
The findings are from the Global Access to Psychological Services (GAPS) for Food Allergy study, which was set up by a team of researchers in the UK and the US. The GAPS study aims to explore the psychological needs of adults and children living with food allergy and parents caring for a child with food allergy. 1,329 adults and 1,907 caregivers of children with food allergy from more than 20 countries took part in the online survey for the GAPS study.
The most commonly reported concern amongst adults with food allergies was anxiety about an allergic reaction, closely followed by general anxiety about living with a food allergy. Other common concerns included anxiety about avoiding unsafe foods and the loss of a normal life. Caregivers were fearful of trusting other people with their child and concerned that others wouldn’t recognise the seriousness of their child’s allergy. Sadness about the impact living with a food allergy has on their life was also common across groups, as was concern about bullying. The UK, Australia and Brazil had the highest percentages of participants reporting distress.
The biggest barrier to access to psychological help was cost. The GAPS study found only very low levels of stigma and worry about seeking support from a mental health professional, so according to the team, the lack of assessment and referral to appropriately trained clinicians requires attention.
The researchers say psychological screening should be available at any age, particularly for anxiety and low mood, and should be free or low-cost to ensure wide access. There is also a need for informational and educational resources.
Professor Knibb said:
“Our research highlights a major unmet need for psychological support for food allergy.
“The cost of support is a significant barrier across all countries in our survey and ways of providing free and easily accessible support is clearly needed.
“We hope to address this in our GAPS study and are currently developing an online toolkit for adults and caregivers which will support them in managing food allergy.”
Read the full study in Allergy DOI: 10.1111/all.16204
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming the Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Helen Tunnicliffe, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7827 090240 or email: h.tunnicliffe@aston.ac.uk.
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