A qualitative study of food choice behaviors among college students with food allergies in the US

Abstract

PurposeThis study explored how food allergies have affected food-related behaviors and quality of life of college students with food allergies and identified factors influencing food choice decisions among this group of individuals.Design/methodology/approachOne-on-one interviews were conducted with 26 college students with self-reported or clinically diagnosed food allergies, recruited from two universities located in the southern region of the United States. The participants were asked a series of questions based on a semi-structured discussion guide. Each interview lasted about 30 min; all interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcriptions were coded independently by three researchers, and themes were identified.FindingsFood allergies affected the participants' food-related behaviors, including eating, food preparation and shopping, as well as some aspects of their quality of life. Individual factors, such as mood, other diseases, cultural background and sensory properties, also influenced food choices. Friends and families were the two most important social influencers of food choices. Regarding physical environmental factors, cost, convenience, value and variety were considered important in selecting food. However, the participants' food choices were less influenced by food advertisements and social media. Additionally, experiences and complex cuisines were also key factors in making food choices.Research limitations/implicationsTheoretically, this qualitative study applied a food choice decision framework in the context of college students with food allergies. Practical recommendations are provided, particularly to campus dining facilities, to fulfill the needs of college students with food allergies.Originality/valueThis study advanced the understanding of the complexity of food choice decision-making among college students with food allergies. A path diagram specific to food choice among college students with food allergies was developed based on the results of this study. This study also highlighted that food allergy management would involve various behavioral changes and revealed that the food choices are influenced by a wide range of factors.

Towards Sustainable Food Systems: Exploring the impact of food allergies on health and well-being in university settings

“…The food choices made by university students were influenced by intrapersonal factors such as cooking skills, taste preference, eating habits, level of nutrition-related knowledge, culture, moods, self-efficacy, health and perceptions (Lee et al, 2023). This is because university years often represent the first time when young adults are no longer under the direct supervision of their parents or carers, and they become fully responsible for managing their allergies on their own.…”

“…Social environmental factors encompass the individuals and elements that directly influence students within their daily surroundings, including parents, siblings, teachers, and friends at school (Lee et al, 2023). For instance, parental food choices can significantly impact those of their children (Lee et al, 2023).…”

“…Moreover, there have been limited studies conducted on the factors that influence food choices among adolescents and it is important to conduct further research to gain a better understanding of the environmental and psychosocial factors that specifically affect the food choices of adolescents (Ziegler et al, 2021), particularly those who have food allergies. Lee et al (2023) conducted qualitative investigations to explore the impact of food allergies on the food-related behaviors and quality of life of college students and they also identified the factors that influence the food choices made by this particular group of individuals. Other studies employed deductive thematic content analysis to identify themes and factors that influence the dietary behavior of adolescents and another study utilized a combination of focus group discussions and individual interviews.…”

“…Other studies employed deductive thematic content analysis to identify themes and factors that influence the dietary behavior of adolescents and another study utilized a combination of focus group discussions and individual interviews. In addition, Lee et al (2023) also suggested to address the existing research gaps, it is recommended to conduct a quantitative study in addition to the current qualitative exploratory research, which includes a limited sample size among college students with food allergies.…”

Consumer visual attention to food allergen information on restaurant menus: an eye-tracking study

“…Food intolerance is due to the body's inability to digest or metabolize a particular food (Bindslev-Jensen, 1998). Food hypersensitivity, regardless of its severity, adversely impacts consumers' dining experiences and further impacts their psychosocial, financial, and emotional well-being, as well as that of their families (Begen et al, 2018;Gupta et al, 2013Gupta et al, , 2018Herbert et al, 2016;Kwon and Lee, 2012;Kwon et al, 2020;Lee et al, 2023;Lieberman et al, 2010;Walkner et al, 2015). Wen and Lee's (2021) survey showed that close to 70% of the participants (N 5 291) in their study had experienced food-based allergic reactions after eating out.…”