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Use of EpiPen® among parents of children with food allergies
S240 Abstracts
Use of EpiPen® Among Parents of Children With Food Allergies J. S. Kim1, J. M. Sinacore2, J. A. Pongracic1; 1Allergy & Immunology, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, 2Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL. RATIONALE: Underutilization of EpiPen® in food-allergic children experiencing anaphylaxis may be attributed to parental discomfort with administration, as measured by lack of parental self-perceived competence and knowledge of proper administration. METHODS: A written survey was mailed to parents of 360 children (<18 years) with physician-diagnosed food allergies who had been prescribed EpiPen®. Parents were recruited from local food allergy support groups and private allergy practices. A “COMFORT” score was measured using a 10cm visual analog scale. “KNOWLEDGE” of proper EpiPen® use and anaphylaxis was tested. Self-perceived “COMPETENCE” was assessed using 16 psychological questions, including 11 from the Family Empowerment Scale. Multiple-regression analysis was used to determine how much of the variance in COMFORT ratings could be explained by KNOWLEDGE, perceived COMPETENCE, and other factors assessed in the survey. RESULTS: We received 165 completed surveys (46%) with signed consent forms. Anaphylaxis was reported in 42.4% of children (n=70); 8.5% of parents (n=14) had administered EpiPen® to their child. Factors correlating with COMFORT included prior administration of EpiPen® (p=0.009), prior training of EpiPen® use (p=0.006), and COMPETENCE (p<0.0005). Neither a history of anaphylaxis nor KNOWLEDGE correlated with an increased level of COMFORT with administration. CONCLUSIONS: COMPETENCE directly correlated with increased COMFORT with EpiPen® use, but KNOWLEDGE did not. Physicians should continue to instruct all parents on EpiPen® administration, specifically with a trainer, since this correlated significantly with COMFORT. Other psychological factors, beyond those examined here, may contribute to underutilization of EpiPen®. Future studies should explore these factors. Funding: Northwestern University, Department of Pediatric Allergy
855
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL FEBRUARY 2004
MONDAY
Use of EpiPen® Among Parents of Children With Food Allergies J. S. Kim1, J. M. Sinacore2, J. A. Pongracic1; 1Allergy & Immunology, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, 2Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL. RATIONALE: Underutilization of EpiPen® in food-allergic children experiencing anaphylaxis may be attributed to parental discomfort with administration, as measured by lack of parental self-perceived competence and knowledge of proper administration. METHODS: A written survey was mailed to parents of 360 children (<18 years) with physician-diagnosed food allergies who had been prescribed EpiPen®. Parents were recruited from local food allergy support groups and private allergy practices. A “COMFORT” score was measured using a 10cm visual analog scale. “KNOWLEDGE” of proper EpiPen® use and anaphylaxis was tested. Self-perceived “COMPETENCE” was assessed using 16 psychological questions, including 11 from the Family Empowerment Scale. Multiple-regression analysis was used to determine how much of the variance in COMFORT ratings could be explained by KNOWLEDGE, perceived COMPETENCE, and other factors assessed in the survey. RESULTS: We received 165 completed surveys (46%) with signed consent forms. Anaphylaxis was reported in 42.4% of children (n=70); 8.5% of parents (n=14) had administered EpiPen® to their child. Factors correlating with COMFORT included prior administration of EpiPen® (p=0.009), prior training of EpiPen® use (p=0.006), and COMPETENCE (p<0.0005). Neither a history of anaphylaxis nor KNOWLEDGE correlated with an increased level of COMFORT with administration. CONCLUSIONS: COMPETENCE directly correlated with increased COMFORT with EpiPen® use, but KNOWLEDGE did not. Physicians should continue to instruct all parents on EpiPen® administration, specifically with a trainer, since this correlated significantly with COMFORT. Other psychological factors, beyond those examined here, may contribute to underutilization of EpiPen®. Future studies should explore these factors. Funding: Northwestern University, Department of Pediatric Allergy
855
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL FEBRUARY 2004
MONDAY