Background

Research has highlighted the psychosocial impact of living with food hypersensitivities (FHS) on children and young people (CYP). However, there is a paucity of qualitative data from CYP themselves in terms of the support they would like to receive in order to improve their psychological wellbeing.

Objective

The aim of the study was to further understand firsthand, the experiences of CYP with FHS including the challenges they face, to inform structural changes in how their psychological wellbeing is supported.

Methods

CYP aged 8-17 years were recruited with self-reported food allergy or celiac disease and asked about their experiences of living with and the psychological impact of FHS, through online, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty five CYP participated in interviews. Three themes were generated which addressed an aspect of change that CYP felt would enable support and improve their wellbeing: desire to feel heard, need for control, and appreciation of the severity of their FHS.

Conclusion

This is the first study to investigate what CYP with FHS would find beneficial for their psychological wellbeing with recommendations provided as to how these may be implemented across various systems. Recommendations include health professionals being more aware of the psychosocial impact from diagnosis, schools being more open and consistent with FHS management strategies, and friends being educated on the management of FHS.