Food allergy-related concerns during the transition to self-management

BACKGROUND: Compared to non-allergic individuals, food allergic individuals have impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL). However, effects of gender and age are unclear. The objective of our study was to describe associations between allergies to common foods and HRQL with consideration to gender and age. METHODS: Adolescents and adults (N = 137; 49.6% males) with specialist-diagnosed allergy to milk, egg and/or wheat completed age-appropriate versions of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ). We pooled common questions and calculated overall- and domain-specific HRQL in association with number and severity of symptoms and time elapse since worst reaction. RESULTS: In the entire study population, HRQL was not affected by gender or age, whereas gender-specific age categories affected HRQL among males only. For example, males 18–39 years had worse overall- (β = 0.77; 95% CI 0.08–1.45) and domain-specific HRQL vs. males < 18 years. Among participants with 1–3 food allergy symptoms, no associations were found. Among participants with 4–6 symptoms, the domain allergen avoidance and dietary restrictions was worse among older participants (e.g. 40+ years: β = 0.71; 95% CI 0.05–1.37 vs. < 18 years), and males 18–39 vs. < 18 years. Among participants with severe symptoms, females vs. males, and participants 18–39 vs. < 18 years had worse HRQL. At least 4 years since worst reaction was associated with worse HRQL for participants 40+ years vs. < 18 years, and older males vs. males < 18 years. Nearly all differences exceeded the clinical relevance threshold of ≥ 0.5. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between allergies to common foods and HRQL are affected by gender and age. Most affected are males 18–39 years. Among females, HRQL is more stable across age groups.