The Impact of an Evidence-based Myth-busting Information Intervention on Maternal Food Allergy Related Quality of Life, Anxiety and Self-efficacy

Children with Food Allergy (FA) are at risk of life threatening reactions. They must carry an emergency medicine kit containing adrenaline auto-injector devices for the immediate treatment of anaphylaxis. Much research has documented the adverse impact of childhood FA on the food allergy related quality of life (FQoL) of the Carer and the family, along with reported higher levels of anxiety and stress. These adverse impacts are largely driven by the need for Carers to always be "emergency ready". Mothers of food allergic children report higher levels of anxiety compared to the rest of the family, possibly due to mothers commonly being the primary care givers responsible for the preparation of meals, childcare etc. Carers of newly diagnosed food allergic children, looking for more information about their child's FA are at risk of exposure to myths and misinformation about food allergy. These falsehoods are likely to increase further, Carers Food Allergy-related anxiety. The investigators wish to survey the frequency with which common myths on FA are believed among mothers prior to their attendance at an allergy clinic. They wish to understand the impact of "myth-busting" information on maternal anxiety or self-efficacy when provided to mothers while awaiting a specialist appointment. The research question is to determine if the online educational session is effective at decreasing anxiety and improving quality of life in Carers of FA children awaiting a specialist appointment.