Abstract
[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a portable manual for the parents of children with food allergies addressing how to correspond to the allergic symptoms according to severity assessment. The manual was also examined to identify parts needing improvement. [Method] We asked 435 parents of children with food allergies to complete a confidential multiple-choice questionnaire in the spring of 2013. In addition, we asked 214 elementary school teachers to complete the same questionnaire in the summer of 2013. [Result] A majority of the parents (93.6%) and teachers (92.5%) found the manual easy to understand. Regarding correspondence to the symptoms, information about the efficacy of medicines, and the use of medicines, 74.3%, 74.3%, and 77.0%, respectively, of the parents reported understanding these sections, while only 57.5%, 58.9%, and 44.9%, respectively, of the teachers understood these sections. These rates were significantly different (p<0.001), with a lower percentage of the teachers reporting understanding these sections than the parents. [Conclusion] Both parents and teachers understood the manual. Most parents were able to understand the complete contents. The teachers did not understand sections of the manual as well as the parents did. Therefore, it is important to adjust the contents of the manual based on the intended use and audience.
