Impact of Food Allergies on the Allergic Person's Travel Decision, Trip Organization and Stay Abroad

Abstract

Background: Management of food allergy (FA) relies on the establishment of a targeted and personalized eviction diet. During a stay abroad, people with FAs may have difficulties in applying/following eviction measures due to the language barrier as well as to the various laws in countries outside the European Union (EU). The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of FA in the travel decision, trip organization and stay of an allergic person. Method(s): The survey was conducted through a questionnaire available online from October 1st to December 15th 2014 on the website of the Regional Observatory of Health and Social Affairs in Lorraine, the French and Belgian Associations for the Prevention of allergies and was disseminated through social networks. The survey included 45 questions of whether FA impacts the travels abroad, induces specific behaviors and whether allergic reactions occurred during the stay. Result(s): One hundred and two allergic persons (62 women / 40 men) aged 20.25 +/- 14.6 years completed the questionnaire. Allergies were due to: nuts (52%), peanuts (43%), milk (31%), soybean (22%), eggs (19%), sesame (15%), and other allergens (46%). Of these 102 patients, 89 (87%) carry an emergency kit. Seven people don't travel for personal reasons, 14 (15%) don't travel due to their FA, 81 (79%) have traveled abroad. Translation of the allergen in the language of the country visited is unknown by 18 (18%) persons, 48 (47%) don't know the legislation regarding mandatory allergen labeling in the EU and 72 (70%) don't know that of the country visited outside EU, 37 (36%) carry their food during a stay abroad. Allergic reactions while traveling are reported by 24 people (23%). Conclusion(s): This survey demonstrates the significant impact of FA on the allergic person's travel decision, trip organization and stay. FA forced 15% of allergic people not to travel abroad and 36% to transport their food. A quarter of respondents had an allergic reaction abroad. Attention is drawn to the lack of knowledge concerning allergen legislation. This study highlights the need to raise patient awareness to control the risk of allergies, especially mandatory allergen labeling and the need for harmonization of regulations internationally.