The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multicultural families with food allergy

Abstract

Background

Families with food allergy, in particular, have faced numerous challenges, often in the setting of financial and emotional stress during the coronavirus disease 2029 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Objective

We examined the impact of the pandemic in a diverse population of families with food allergy.

Methods

An online survey was administered between October 2020 and January 2021 through recruitment of adult caregivers of at least 1 child with food allergy. Survey responses were summarized by frequencies with proportions and medians with interquartile ranges or means plus or minus SDs.

Results

Of the 307 individuals who completed questionnaires, 96% were female and 4% were male, with 24% classified as African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Asian, or “other.” Of the respondents, 52% experienced a decrease in household income during the pandemic. Financial stress ( P < .001) and lack of access to allergen-free foods ( P = .032) was seen in significantly more caregivers with an income less than $200,000. Of the respondents, 76% experienced increased stress or discord within the home. Although becoming a member of a food allergy support group increased over time, significantly fewer African American respondents were members of a support group. The hospitalization rate for COVID-19 did not differ significantly between racial/ethnic groups.

Conclusion

Our questionnaire has characterized the significant impact of economic as well as psychological stressors of the pandemic in a diverse population. Further studies on this topic are needed to help minimize the impact of future pandemics in a multicultural population.