Research Opportunity: The Psychological Impact of Caring for Children with Food Allergies

Have your say on the psychological impacts of caring for a child with food allergy, and what support is needed

The Cairnmillar Institute is undertaking research to better understand the psychological burden experienced by Australian parents/carers who care for a child diagnosed with a food allergy. Research conducted overseas has found that parents/carers of children with a food allergy have higher levels of distress and reduced quality of life when compared to parents/carers of children without food allergies.

This research project is being conducted because there is very limited research in Australia looking at the factors associated with psychological burden parents experience when caring for a child with a food allergy. There has also been very limited data published showing what supports parents/carers of a child with food allergy currently access, and what they would like to access.

Who can participate in the study?
You are eligible to participate in the study if you meet all of the following criteria:

•             Aged 18 years or older

•             Currently residing in Australia

•             Have at least one dependent child 17 years or younger with a food allergy.

•             Sufficiently proficient in English to respond to interview questions in English

What does participation involve?
Participation involves completing an online survey that will take approximately 35-50 minutes. The survey is confidential and anonymous.

Prior to commencing the survey, participants will be presented with the Plain Language Information Statement and will be asked to consent via a tick box. Your participation is voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any point in time up to completion of the survey.

Project Title: The Psychological Impact of Caring for Children with Food Allergies in Australia
Principal Researcher: Dr Catherine Connaughton, [email protected]
This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at The Cairnmillar Institute and will comply with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, 2025).