South Asian families and food allergy: a missed opportunity for health visitors

The incidence of food allergy in children of south Asian heritage in the UK is increasing. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of mothers from the South Asian community with regard to recognising and seeking help for their child's food allergy. The study found that there was uncertainty about the cause of the child's symptoms and delays in seeking medical advice. Few parents had talked to health visitors about allergy. Infants from south Asian backgrounds with food allergies face inequalities in health and access to specialist services, and health visitors are missing opportunities to intervene early.

Naheeda Rehman, Senior Child Nurse Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University