Alliance with the school personnel is crucial for the management of food allergy and anaphylaxis in school children

Abstract

Background: School nurses play an important role in coping with food allergy (FA) in schoolchildren, but in schools with no school nurse, the school personnel should be prepared to manage health emergencies. This study aimed to evaluate allergy management competences in primary schools in Cyprus. Methods: The study was conducted September 2016 to May 2017 in 11/13 primary schools, selected by stratified random sampling. Information was collected from a principal/designated teacher using a questionnaire from the EuroPrevall Project, adapted for Cypriot teachers. Results: An average of six children with FA per school was reported in the preceding three years. Protocols for the management of chronic diseases, including allergies, were in place in 8/11 schools. Regarding recognition of FA, 8/11 respondents knew some of the signs and symptoms. In an allergic emergency, 9/11 would call the child’s parent/caregiver first and 2/11 emergency medical support. Epinephrine auto-injector (EIA) was reported by 2/11 respondents to be available in the school, but only one reported training in its use. Conclusions: The preparedness of primary schools in Cyprus did not meet safety standards regarding the preparedness of school personnel to cope with an allergic reaction in children with FA, including the use of EIA.