Patterns of carriage of prescribed adrenaline auto injectors in 10-14 year old food allergic students: a population based study

Publication date: Available online 19 July 2018

Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Author(s): Marnie Robinson, Jennifer J. Koplin, Michael J. Field, Mari Sasaki, Rachel L. Peters, Vicki McWilliam, Susan M. Sawyer, George C. Patton, Peter J. Vuillermin, Jo Douglass, Lyle C. Gurrin, Mimi L.K. Tang, Shyamali C. Dharmage, Katrina J. Allen, SchoolNuts investigators

Abstract

Background

Adolescence is well recognized as a period of increased risk for severe and fatal food induced anaphylaxis. Current Australian adrenaline auto injector (AAI) prescription guidelines therefore suggest that consideration is given to AAI prescription in all adolescents with a food allergy. To date, however few studies have assessed the carriage behaviour of adolescents prescribed AAI devices.

Objective

To determine carriage behaviour of prescribed AAI devices in a population-based sample of young Australian adolescents.

Methods

Students aged 10-14 years (and their parents) from randomly selected schools in metropolitan Melbourne completed self-administered questionnaires regarding history and management of food allergy, including prescription and carriage of AAI device in different domains of school and social life.

Results

A total of 9816 students completed the questionnaire (46% response): 620 students were assessed to have likely IgE-mediated food allergy and 234 (38%) of these had been prescribed an AAI. Most students (93%, 95%CI 89-96) prescribed AAIs reported that they provided their AAI and anaphylaxis action plan to their school. Adherence with AAI carriage in other domains of social life was poor with 49% (95%CI 42-56) never carrying their AAI in 1 or more locations. Carriage of the AAI device was particularly poor when students were independent of parental supervision: 32% (95%CI 25-39) never carried it when they were by themselves, 28% (95%CI 22-36) never carried it while out with friends whilst 36% (95%CI 30-43) never carried their AAI to sporting activities.

Conclusion

Carriage of AAI devices is suboptimal in young adolescents prescribed AAIs, particularly when young adolescents are independent of parental supervision.