Abstract

INTRODUCTION

It is known that the parental level of knowledge markedly increases and the frequency of anaphylactic attacks decreases as a result of the education on anaphylaxis. In our study, it was aimed to assess the awareness levels of parents of our patients aged 0-16 years, who have experienced anaphylaxis.

METHODS

44 patients who were followed-up in Allergy Unit of Dr. Behçet Uz Children Hospital for a period of 10 years (from 1999 to 2009), were included in the study. Information about children was was recorded in a form designed for this study and the awareness levels of patients’ parents on anaphylaxis were assessed by using a questionnaire with 15 questions.

RESULTS

Anaphylaxis was described as a life-threatening reaction by 31 parents (83.7%) as a simple allergic reaction by 3 parents (8.1%), while 3 parents (8.1%) had no knowledge about anaphylaxis. Regarding anaphylaxis, 25 of those parents (67.6%) were informed by pediatric allergy specialists, 4 parents (9.1%) were informed by general pediatricians and 4 parents (9.1%) had searched internet. In case of a recurrence, before calling emergency, 25 parents (67.5%) stated that they would immediately give an antihistaminic, 5 parents (13.5%) said that they would promptly use an adrenalin auto-injector. 20 of the families (54.1%) had no information about the general interventions, while 23 parents (62.2%) did not feel themselves sufficiently qualified. 24 parents (64.8%) stated that they pay attention for elimination for prophylaxis, 8 of them (21.6%) said that they carry an adrenalin auto-injector. None of them had their children to carry a warning necklace/wristband. Only 4 of them (10.8%) had known how to use an adrenalin auto-injector.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It was concluded that the parents of children who experienced a life-threatening health problem such as anaphylaxis have no sufficient level of awareness, and that the education should be standardized particularly for prophylaxis.