Health Educational Program for Guardians of Primary School Children with Food Allergy.

Mohammed Fathey Khafagey, Tahaney; Sadek Abd El-Hameed, Howyida; El-Ahmady Sarhan, Ahlam; Abdel Haleem Shousha, Ghada

doi:10.21608/jnsbu.2025.435253

Health Educational Program for Guardians of Primary School Children with Food Allergy.

Authors

¹ Quality Coordinator at Shibin Al Qanater Central Hospital, Egypt

² Prof. of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing -Benha University

³ Assistant. prof of Pediatrics Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain- shams University

10.21608/jnsbu.2025.435253

Abstract

Background: Food Allergy is an issue of public health concern since it triggers life-threatening reactions and has an adverse immune reaction to a food allergen, mainly of protein nature. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of health educational program among guardians of primary school children with food allergy. Research design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: The present study was conducted at the Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Clinic in Children's Hospital, Ain Shams University. Sample type: Convenience sample was used in this study. Tools of data collection: Two tools were used, Tool I: A structured interview questionnaire to assess; A: Socio demographic characteristics of guardians and child personal characteristics, B: Health problem associated with food allergy, C: Family history of food allergy, D: Knowledge of guardians about food allergy, E: Reported practices of guardians regarding food allergy. Tool II: Concerned with guardians' attitude regarding food allergy. Results: 75.0% of studied children had itching, 13.5% of studied guardians had good knowledge about food allergies in preprogram, compared to 78.0% post program implementation, 47.5% of studied guardians had satisfactory reported practices in preprogram, compared to 92.5% in post program implementation, 28.5% of studied guardians had positive attitude in preprogram, compared to 92.5% in post program implementation, there was highly statistically significant correlation between guardians' total knowledge, attitude, and reported practices. Conclusion: The guardians’ knowledge, attitude and reported practices about food allergy were improved after program implementation. Recommendations: Continuing intervention that equip primary school children with effective strategies those help them and their guardians to deal with food allergy.

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