ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill (November 13, 2020) - Studies have
shown that food allergies negatively affect the quality of life of those who
suffer with them. A new study being presented at this year's virtual American
College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting
reveals the impact on food allergy quality of life (FAQOL) for Asian patients
and their parents is significantly higher than for other races. "Based on
our questionnaire, Asian parents of children with food allergy living in the
U.S. had a mean score of 50.5, indicating a 'fairly' negative impact on quality
of life, which was significantly higher than white and Black parents,"
says Christine Rubeiz, MD, ACAAI member and lead author of the study.
"White and Black parents had mean scores of 40.4 and 40.9 respectively,
corresponding closer to the food allergy having 'a little bit' of a negative
impact on quality of life." The study examined 6829 questionnaires filled
out at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center as part of a retrospective
chart review. The questionnaires were scored from 0-100, with higher scores
corresponding to worse quality of life. "Our study showed Asian parents
had significantly higher scores (worse QOL) in both higher and lower
socioeconomic groups," says allergist Amal Assa'ad, MD, ACAAI member and
senior author of the study. "Most studies of Asian children have been done
in Asia, where the prevalence of food allergy is 3-8%. Some estimates of food
allergy in the general U.S. population report a similar prevalence, about 8%.
Asian families with food allergy appear to have worse food
allergy-related-quality of life compared to other races, according to our
research. This highlights the need for further studies on the impact of food
allergy on Asian families, who may be an underrecognized population."
According to Dr. Rubeiz, "We found other significant racial disparities in
FAQOL scores, particularly with Black and Hispanic patients. Within the
Medicaid population, we found that Black and Hispanic patients and parents had
significantly higher scores (worse quality of life) compared to white patients
and parents. Cultural food preferences and the financial burden of food allergy
may be a factor in this finding." ### Presentation Title: Race/Ethnicity
and Socioeconomic Status Effect on Food Allergy-Related Quality of Life in
Children and CaregiversPresenter: Christine Rubeiz, MD For more information
about food allergies, or to find an allergist in your area, visit
AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. The ACAAI Virtual Annual Meeting is Nov. 13-15. For
more news and research from the ACAAI Scientific Meeting, go to our newsroom -
and follow the conversation on Twitter #ACAAI20. About ACAAI The ACAAI is a
professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists
and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The
College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its
members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care,
education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified
physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy,
and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and
to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook,
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