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Bullying in Australian children and adolescents with food allergies
Author(s) -
Fong Andrew Timothy,
Katelaris Constance Helen,
Wainstein Brynn Kevin
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.12955
Subject(s) - medicine , allergy , food allergy , environmental health , population , cohort , pediatrics , injury prevention , poison control , occupational safety and health , cohort study , human factors and ergonomics , family medicine , immunology , pathology
Background Food allergy is an increasing concern worldwide. The significant impact of food allergies on quality of life and bullying has been well described in international studies. No studies have yet investigated the occurrence of bullying in children and adolescents with food allergies in the Australian population. This study aimed to characterize and examine the frequency of bullying and describe those most responsible and the effects of the bullying on the victims. Methods Questionnaires were developed based on those used in previous studies and were distributed throughout paediatric allergy clinics. Children and adolescents aged 10‐19 with food allergies were recruited to complete the questionnaire independently, whilst parents completed the questionnaire on behalf of their children aged 5‐9 with food allergies. The data were tabulated and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results Ninety‐three questionnaires were completed. Overall, 39 (42%) children experienced some form of bullying. This was higher in the older children and adolescent group, where 53% (18/34) were bullied. In addition, 23% (21/93) of the cohort were bullied or teased specifically because of their allergy. Food allergens had been used in the bullying in 24 cases, but no child reported being forced to eat foods to which they were allergic. Two adolescents experienced allergic reactions. Conclusions This study highlights that those with food allergy are subject to a high degree of bullying. This risk of bullying for children with food allergy indicates a significant social problem that requires addressing to positively assist these children.