Impact of peanut allergy on quality of life, stress and anxiety in the family

King, R. M., Knibb, R.C., Hourihane, J. O'B. "Impact of peanut allergy on quality of life, stress and anxiety." Allergy 64 (2009): 461–468.

This is a study conducted to determine how peanut allergy impacts the family of peanut allergy sufferers. “Peanut allergy (PA) is known to impact on quality of life (QoL) of the sufferer, but little research has focused on all family members (461).” 46 families of children with a peanut allergy were given questionnaires regarding their quality of life, stress, and anxiety. I didn’t find it surprising to read that mothers of peanut allergic children experienced greater stress and anxiety than the fathers. I think that mothers are typically the caregivers and that is why they feel this way. Other factors, such as separation anxiety and anxiety over physical injury, were studied. As I would have expected, children with peanut allergies were generally more anxious and stressed in most situations than their non-food allergic siblings.

This study closely relates to my research question, but I find myself not agreeing with the results, probably because they are contrary to my beliefs. Upon further reflection, though, I would probably rate my anxiety and stress as higher than a peer without an allergic child. I don’t like to think that my quality of life is less, and I don’t want my children to think that, either.

This study fills a gap that exists in current peanut allergy research, and I will probably use it as a source in my project. I can use it as a comparison to the results I gather from the questionnaire I distribute.