Parental self-efficacy in food allergy management: Determinants and challenges
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, vol.37, no.6, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 37 Issue: 6
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1111/pai.70391
- Journal Name: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: allergy management, caregiver confidence, cultural validation, food allergy, parental self-efficacy
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background: Food allergy management requires dietary adherence, prevention of accidental exposures, and prompt reaction management. Identifying sociodemographic factors linked to low self-efficacy may improve management. Methods: This study was conducted among parents of children diagnosed with food allergy who presented to our clinic. Participants completed the Turkish version of the Food Allergy Self-Efficacy Scale for Parents (T-FASE-P, previously validated as EBA-ÖZ) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Results: A total of 280 parents (mothers, 85.4%; fathers, 14.6%) were included in the study. Of the children, 64.6% were boys and 35.4% were girls. The median parental age was 33 years (20–59), and the median child age was 25.5 months (3–213). Parents of children with egg and cow's milk allergy had lower T-FASE-P scores, while carrying an epinephrine auto-injector and baked egg tolerance were associated with higher scores (p <.05). Lowest scores related to school safety, cross-contamination, and travel. In multivariable analyses, only school attendance (p =.004) and cow's milk allergy (p =.002) remained significant. Subscale analyses showed that school attendance was associated with prevention and recognition/management (p =.002), parental employment with social activities (p <.001), and IgE-mediated allergy with recognition/management (p =.027), whereas cow's milk allergy was consistently associated with lower scores across all subscales (p <.05). Conclusion: This study evaluated parental self-efficacy in relation to demographics. Cow's milk allergy was associated with lower, and carrying an adrenaline auto-injector with higher self-efficacy. These findings emphasize the need for targeted support for families managing high-risk allergens.