Food, risk and place: agency and negotiations of young people with food allergy

Qualitative research in teen experiences living with food‐induced anaphylaxis: A meta‐aggregation

“…Epinephrine Auto‐Injectors (EAI) came to be seen as a lifeline by teens. Teens also had a strong desire for a cure as opposed to management and acknowledged that FIA changed thoughts about their futures (Stjerna, ). Fear resulted in a complicated, conflicting relationship with food.…”

“…Fear resulted in a complicated, conflicting relationship with food. Food became fearful by extension (DunnGalvin et al., ), yet also had positive connotations of healthfulness, family tradition, comforting, or helping to cope emotionally (Sommer et al., ; Stjerna, ). DunnGalvin et al.…”

“…As teens shift towards increasing independence, they must take control and become more involved managing their allergy—with increasing responsibilities. However, independence was limited by knowledge of FIA and risk perception (Gallagher et al., ; Stjerna, ). Teens must become competent in social interactions surrounding FIA by self‐advocating, practicing decision‐making and recognizing safe/unsafe situations (DunnGalvin et al., ; Fenton et al., ; Gallagher et al., ).…”

“…This synthesis includes the categories being vigilant, negotiating risk and systemic influences (Figure ). Controlling the uncontrollable is a phrase used by Stjerna () in regards to risk management in FIA. Here, it expresses teens’ experiences trying to be vigilant about negotiating risk despite systemic factors beyond their control.…”

“…Risks as perceived by teens with FIA must be seen more broadly than the potential of allergen exposure and anaphylaxis. Teens with FIA must navigate multiple risks they perceive in daily life, including individual health, social identity and ability to maintain personal privacy—all of which become threatened due to the burden of their allergies (Gallagher et al., ; MacKenzie et al., ; Marklund et al., ; Stjerna, ). Teens decide if a given risk is acceptable through negotiation—is the risk worth it, or is it simply less harmful than other options (MacKenzie et al., )?…”