Publication Date

2014

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Food allergy in children, Food allergy in children-Psychological aspects, Parents of chronically ill children-Services for, Caregivers-Services for, Resources, Food allergies, Caretakers, Children, Parents of chronically ill children-Social networks

Abstract

This study explored the resources and supports caretakers of children with food allergies currently have available to them. In addition, resources that caretakers do not feel are currently available to them, but believe would be helpful, were examined. Sample. Convenience sample recruited online through Facebook and parent list-serves, and from fliers put up on several allergy clinics in the Boston area. Methods. Participants completed an online survey through www.surveymonkey.com where they identified food allergy related resources that they currently have available, in addition to those they would like to have. Findings. The small sample size (N=26) and the lack of diversity in participants' race, gender, and level of education, limits the generalizability of the findings. The results indicated that there are a number of resources that could easily be made available to caretakers of children with severe food allergies. Additionally, the majority of participants had never met with a social worker to provide resources and supports to cope with their child's food allergy. Based on these findings, it is recommended that families raising children with severe food allergies should have the opportunity to meet with a social worker to receive resources, referrals, and support at diagnosis of the food allergy and at regular check-ins throughout the child's development.

Language

English

Comments

iv, 43 pages. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, 2014. Includes bibliographical references (pages 32-33)

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