Abstract
ObjectiveWe analyzed the effect of an anaphylaxis training session on the health literacy level of caregivers of children ((grand)parents, crèche supervisors and teachers) with IgE-mediated allergy at risk of anaphylaxis.
MethodsCaregivers of children with IgE-mediated food or insect venom allergy, were prospectively offered a training session on top of standard care provided by a pediatrician. We studied the effect on health literacy (knowledge and self-efficacy) of caregivers with a three parted questionnaire: 1) knowledge score, 2) validated Dutch-translated self-efficacy score, 3) added value of the session. Data analysis was done with non-parametric statistics.
ResultsFour training sessions were attended by 140 caregivers, 116 (82.9%) consented for participation, 71 (50.7%) completed the questionnaire before and after training. Baseline knowledge was high (n=116, median 66.7%), and similar in complete and partial responders, but significantly higher in younger caregivers (<55 years, n=49/71 (69%), p=0.03) and tended to be higher in first-degree relatives (n=29/71 (40.8%), p=0.056)). Baseline self–efficacy was high in the total group (80%) without differences amongst the subgroups (age, caregiver type, education and type of training).Training improved knowledge (from 66.7% to 83.3%; p<0.001) and self-efficacy (from 80% to 85%; p<0.001) in all participants and in the subgroups.
InterpretationAnaphylaxis training session offered on top of standard pediatric care significantly improved the total score of knowledge and self-efficacy of caregivers of children at risk of anaphylaxis. Training sessions should become standard of care.