Lived Experiences of School-Age Children with Food Allergies: A Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? Children with food allergies live with daily fear, social restrictions, emotional stress, isolation, teasing, and exclusion from peers, whereas peer communication can foster understanding and acceptance. Some children engage in oral immunotherapy or allergen reintroduction, leading to increased food choices, social inclusion, and reduced anxiety. What is the implication of the main finding? Child-centered, emotionally supportive, and inclusive care is vital to these children’s wellbeing, involving families, schools, and healthcare providers. Background/Objectives: School-age children with food allergies (FAs) face substantial psychosocial challenges. Herein, we aimed to synthesize the experiences of such children. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022359854). A systematic search was conducted of eight databases. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The data were synthesized through meta-aggregation, and the confidence in the findings was assessed using the ConQual approach. Results: Seventy-three unequivocal findings were extracted and synthesized into three integrated findings. (1) Children with FAs live with daily fear, social restrictions, and emotional stress. To ensure their safety and foster self-management skills, the trusted adults in their lives must be well-informed about allergy management. (2) Children with FAs experience isolation, teasing, and exclusion from peers, whereas peer communication can foster understanding and acceptance. To address this, schools must promote peer empathy, provide allergy education, and build inclusive environments that empower children to express their needs safely. (3) Motivated by curiosity and personal goals, some children engage in oral immunotherapy or allergen reintroduction, leading to meaningful outcomes, such as increased food choices, social inclusion, and reduced anxiety. At the same time, they face emotional and physical burdens, highlighting the need for safety-focused, informed, supported care that considers both the benefits and burdens. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for child-centered, emotionally supportive, and inclusive care involving families, schools, and healthcare providers. However, the moderate ConQual score of the synthesized findings indicates that the recommendations should be considered with caution.