Acceptance of Food Allergic Children in Japanese Childcare Facilities

Abstract

Background: Food allergy management systems are important for childcare facilities to accept children with food allergies prescribed epinephrine (epinephrine-treated children). The relationship between the food allergy management system of a childcare facility and the willingness of children attending the facility to accept epinephrine is unclear. We believe that childcare facilities that cooperate with local health and medical institutions are more willing to accept children receiving epinephrine. Objective: This study aimed to clarify the actual situation of epinephrine acceptance in children attending childcare facilities across Japan and the factors associated with their willingness to accept them. Methods: Between May and June 2021, 686 childcare facilities across Japan were selected and surveyed. To analyze the factors related to the willingness to accept epinephrine children attending childcare facilities, the facilities were classified into 2 groups, “willingness to accept” and “no willingness to accept,” and their attributes and characteristics, food allergy management system, cooperation with relevant organizations and ability to cooperate were compared by univariate analysis. Results: A questionnaire-based survey of 162 centers revealed that 18.2% of the centers had accepted children receiving epinephrine and 74.7% were willing to accept them. There was a significant association between the willingness to accept epinephrine in children and satisfaction with the food allergy management system, availability of childcare consulting agencies, and ability to work with healthcare organizations, which differed. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of strengthening the management system of facilities and cooperating with relevant institutions for epinephrine children to live safely in the community.