Development of a novel parent‐report measure of food allergy impact

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica
• Main Authors: Proctor, K. B., Estrem, H. H., Park, J., Wenzell, M. L., Ravindran, M., Sharp, W. G., Scahill, L., Vickery, B. P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 15-11-2024
• ISSN: 0803-5253; 1651-2227; 1651-2227
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.17497

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to develop an outcome measure for caregivers of children with food allergy. Methods A community‐informed measure development process was utilised to generate a novel parent‐reported outcome tool for caregivers of children with food allergy. We conducted focus groups with parents and caregivers of food‐allergic ( n = 18) children, following which a team of coders identified themes and generated an initial set of candidate items. These items were reviewed by content‐area experts ( n = 10) using content validity indices. We then conducted a series of cognitive interviews with parents of children with food allergy ( n = 12) validating the instrument draft. Results We describe the results of these development steps as well as future steps to produce the final, validated form of the measure. The resultant 91‐item measure is intended for parents of children ages two to 12 years. Conclusion This measure fills a unique need in the field by leveraging key stakeholders' perspectives to develop and subsequently validate a novel parent‐reported measure of parent and family food allergy impacts of children ages two to 12 years old.