ERIC Number: EJ1411091
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1559-5676
Food Allergy Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs among Kindergarten through Fourth-Grade Teachers
Dolly Kellogg; Julia VanderMolen; Kathryn J. Barnhart; Amber M. Hubbell
Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, v47 n1 2023
Purpose/Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of teachers regarding food allergies. This project highlighted the importance of training teachers and incorporating food allergy management and protocols to keep children with food allergies safe and in an inclusive environment at school. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was sent to 77 elementary school principals from 20 school districts. The survey was distributed to K-4th grade teachers. The "Chicago Food Allergy Research Survey" was used to measure food allergy knowledge (n = 16) and food allergy attitudes and beliefs (n = 15). Demographic factors and general knowledge scores underwent a descriptive analysis using Excel. Based on the proportion of knowledge items that were correctly answered, knowledge scores were computed. Using SPSS version 27, frequencies were calculated for the variables relating to attitudes and beliefs. Results: A total of 42 teachers from 77 elementary school buildings, in 20 school districts participated in the study. For anonymity, the school district and building where the teacher works were not collected. Of the 42 teachers, 36% (n=15) reported having a food-allergic child in their class, and 24% (n=10) teachers reported having food allergy worksite training. Knowledge of treatment and use of healthcare ranked lowest in this study. Teachers tended to minimize the stigma and acceptability issues children encounter with food allergies with 7% (n=3) who believe children with food allergies are teased at school, 45% (n=19) believe children with food allergies are treated differently, and 71% (n=30) feel children should sit at a table specifically for children with food allergies. Applications To Child Nutrition Professionals: Teachers are one level in a school that can help manage food allergies. All school staff including recess monitors, substitute teachers, and food service need consistent, structured food allergy education and training to help lower the risk of severe allergic reactions and understand the stigma and quality of life issues food allergic children face. Federal, state, and local policy leaders must collaborate to require allergy training and management at all schools to make them safer and more inclusive learning environments for children with food allergies.
Descriptors: Kindergarten, Preschool Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, Knowledge Level, Food, Allergy, Teacher Attitudes, Beliefs, Training, Bullying, Nutrition, Nutrition Instruction, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Severity (of Disability), Therapy, Policy
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A