The psychosocial impact of life-threatening childhood food allergies

Pediatr Nurs. 2012 Nov-Dec;38(6):327-30.

Abstract

The purpose of this integrated literature review was to bring understanding to medical professionals of the psychosocial impact of parenting a child with life-threatening food allergies. Prevalence of life-threatening food allergy among children is increasing, and families continue to navigate the effects it can have on all members of a family. A comprehensive literature review was performed related to chronic childhood illnesses and life-threatening food allergies. Commonalities among the conditions exist related to stress, coping, and adaptive responses when parental perceptions and experiences are considered. This information may provide a conceptual context for the adaptation process involved with parenting a young child with life-threatening food allergies, revealing areas where nursing can serve to intervene and support this process.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Anaphylaxis / nursing
  • Anaphylaxis / prevention & control
  • Anaphylaxis / psychology
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Food Hypersensitivity / nursing*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / psychology*
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Nuclear Family / psychology*
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control*