Food Allergy Attitudes in the US
A study by Gupta et al set out to look at food allergy knowledge and perceptions among the general US population. The study involved 2,148 people. They answered 64.9% of knowledge-based items correctly.
Strengths were identified in areas related to symptoms, severity and triggers, and environmental risks of food allergy.
Knowledge was poor concerning the distinction between food allergy and food intolerance, the absence of a cure, and current means to treat food allergy.
Perceptions regarding food allergy were generally well distributed, although respondents tended to minimize the stigma associated with food allergy and to oppose specific food allergy policies in schools.
They concluded that there was a need for improved public awareness of the challenges faced by food-allergic children in the hope that this may encourage adoption of standardized school policies to keep affected children safe.
Gupta RS, Kim JS, Springston EE, Smith B, Pongracic JA, Wang X, Holl J.
Food allergy knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in the United States.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2009 Jul;103(1):43-50.