Medical clown support is associated with better quality of life of children with food allergy starting oral immunotherapy

• Published in: Pediatric allergy and immunology 2021-07, Vol.32 (5), p.1029-1037
• Main Authors: Epstein Rigbi, Naama, Schwartz, Naama, Goldberg, Michael R., Levy, Michael B., Nachshon, Liat, Elizur, Arnon, Santos, Alexandra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Children; Critical period; Demography; Food allergies; Food quality; Immunotherapy; medical clown; oral immunotherapy; Perception; Quality of life; Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0905-6157; 1399-3038
• DOI: 10.1111/pai.13445

Background The start of oral immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergy is a critical period in the treatment process, with a potential to influence patient quality of life (QOL) and subsequently treatment outcome. The association of medical clowning with QOL at OIT initiation was examined. Methods Children aged 4‐12 years supported by a medical clown (MC) during the induction week of OIT for food allergy were studied. Children in the same age range starting OIT without the support of a MC served as controls. Parents of all children completed the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire—Parent Form (FAQLQ‐PF), and children aged 8‐12 years completed the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire—Child Form (FAQLQ‐CF). QOL scores of parents and children with and without a MC support were compared. Results Children with (n = 88) and without (n = 212) the support of a MC were comparable in demographics and clinical characteristics. The study group had a significantly lower single highest tolerated dose compared to controls (57 ± 83 vs 162 ± 274 mg protein, respectively, P