Awareness of food allergies: a survey of pediatricians in Kuwait

Abstract

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of food allergies (FA) is important for a favorable prognosis. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness of FA among pediatricians in Kuwait.MethodA 43-item self-administered questionnaire was designed and distributed to pediatricians working at 4 government hospitals in Kuwait.ResultsA total of 140 pediatricians completed the questionnaire, with a participation rate of 51.1% (81 males and 59 females). The mean age of participants was 40.81 years, and the mean number of years working in pediatrics was 13.94 years. The mean overall knowledge score was 22.2. The pediatricians’ overall knowledge scores were found to be significantly associated with their age (older pediatricians had higher overall scores) and years of experience as a pediatrician but were independent from hospital site, gender, or rank. A multiple linear regression revealed pediatrician age and gender were the only variables that were significantly associated with the overall knowledge score. Only 16.4% of the participants answered at least 2/3 of the survey questions correctly. The questions that were correctly answered by ≤ 2/3 of the participants constituted 80% of clinical presentation questions, 66.6% of diagnostics questions, 77.7% of treatment questions, and 42.8% of prevention questions. Interestingly, among 68 pediatricians (48.5%) who determined that they felt comfortable evaluating and treating patients with FA, only 12 (17.6%) passed the questionnaire.ConclusionsThis survey demonstrates that there is a noteworthy deficiency of pediatricians’ awareness about FA. The implementation of strategies to improve pediatricians’ awareness is critical to diagnose food allergy patients early and improve their health and outcomes.

The epidemiology of food allergy in primary care clinic: A cross-sectional study

“…[9,10] Interestingly weaknesses in knowledge about diagnostic tests seems like a common problem between primary care physicians, as similar findings were reported by both studies in the US and Turkey. [9,10] Weaknesses in treatment and prevention is partially in line with present research, Al-Herz et al [22 national study on pediatricians' awareness about FA recorded fair pediatricians' knowledge about FA treatment, 77% but low knowledge levels in prevention, 42%. Physicians in Kuwait just like those in Turkey longing for training about FA.…”

Determination of Intervention to Improve Food Allergy Knowledge among Malaysians

“…The questionnaire was developed and adapted by the researcher based on Al-herz et al, (2017) and Gupta et al, (2009). The survey asked about the respondents' profile, general food allergy knowledge and the types of intervention that can improve their knowledge.…”

“…This raises the question of whether food providers have the proper knowledge to prevent incidence of food allergic reaction. Previous studies have found that one of the major factors that contribute to the incidence of food allergic reaction is the lack of knowledge among the public as well school nurses, hospitality staff and pediatricians (Din, Rashid &Ramli 2015 andAlherz, Husain, Alkhabaz, Moussa, &Al-refaee 2017). Therefore, determining the level of food allergy knowledge is fundamental before creating any intervention.…”

Food allergies and allergens in Lebanon: Characterization and perceptions toward labeling

“… 26 In the Middle East, several studies aimed to examine the prevalence of food allergies and identify the most common food allergens among different populations. 2 , 3 , 9 , 19 …”