Quality of life in families of infants and toddlers with food allergies: A mixed‐methods study

Background

Food allergies (FA) are a growing public health concern affecting family wellbeing. While previous research has focused largely on school‐aged children, limited evidence exists regarding families of infants and toddlers. This study examined the quality of life (QoL) in families with children aged up to 3 years with food allergies in Cyprus and sought to identify modifiable factors that may inform strategies to improve family QoL.

Methods

A sequential explanatory mixed‐methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected from mothers of 100 children with FA diagnosis by either a consultant allergist or consultant paediatrician using the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire—Parent Form, translated and culturally adapted into Greek. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 mothers and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings were integrated using a joint display.

Results

Mean FAQLQ‐PF scores indicated mild–moderate quality‐of‐life impairment; however, notable burden was observed in domains related to fear of unfamiliar foods, dietary restriction and social participation. Moderate–high concern regarding accidental ingestion (76%) and severe reactions (77%) was common. Qualitative findings highlighted sustained parental vigilance, restructuring of daily routines around food safety and emotional strain associated with diagnostic uncertainty. Mothers also described variability in clinical guidance and limited societal awareness, particularly in childcare and public food environments. Integration revealed predominantly convergent findings. In one area of complementarity, qualitative data revealed extensive daily caregiving effort underlying low quantitative activity limitation scores. One area of silence was identified where a quantitative construct was not reflected in interview narratives, suggesting that structured and open‐ended methods capture different dimensions of the caregiving experience.

Conclusion

In our sample, families of infants and toddlers with FA in Cyprus experience persistent emotional and practical challenges despite moderate QoL impairment. Parental stress is driven primarily by risk perception, social restrictions and variability in clinical guidance. Standardised early management and improved community awareness may enhance family adaptation during this critical period.

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