Evaluation of anxiety and depression levels associated with provocation tests in mothers of children with food allergy Évaluation des niveaux d'anxiété et de dépression associés aux tests de provocation chez les mères d'enfants allergiques alimentaires

Çevik S., Altaş U., SARISALTIK A., Ata S., Öztürk N., Alkaya H., ...Daha Fazla

Revue Francaise d'Allergologie, cilt.66, sa.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 66 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.reval.2026.104681
  • Dergi Adı: Revue Francaise d'Allergologie
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Depression, Food allergy, Parental anxiety, Provocation test
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Study objective: This study evaluates anxiety and depression levels in mothers of children with food allergies in relation to provocation tests. Food allergies impose a psychological burden on families, and provocation tests may contribute to increased emotional distress. Patients and methods: The study included mothers of 0–3-year-old children diagnosed with food allergies who attended a pediatric allergy clinic. The control group consisted of mothers of healthy children. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 30, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 171 mothers participated (86 case, 85 control). No significant difference was found in overall anxiety and depression scores between groups (P > 0.05). However, mothers in the case group reported higher distress in specific areas, such as losing interest in appearance (P = 0.042) and feeling constantly occupied (P < 0.001). Earlier symptom onset and longer dietary restrictions were associated with higher anxiety levels. Conclusion: While provocation tests did not significantly increase overall anxiety or depression, they triggered specific emotional stressors in mothers. These findings highlight the need for psychosocial support during food allergy management. Future longitudinal studies should explore the long-term psychological effects of food allergies on caregivers.