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. 2025 Jul 25;14(15):5274.
doi: 10.3390/jcm14155274.

Possession of Injectable Epinephrine Among Children with Parent-Reported Food Allergies in Saudi Arabia

Amer Khojah  1 , Ameera Bukhari  2 , Ibrahim Alibrahim  3 , Maria AlSulami  3 , Turki Alotaibi  3 , Ruba Alotaibi  3 , Elaf Bahareth  3 , Inam Abulreish  3 , Sumayyah Alsuruji  3 , Raghad Rajab  4 , Loie Goronfolah  4 , Mohammad Binhussein  5 , Adeeb Bulkhi  5 , Saddiq Habiballah  6 , Imad Khojah  6
Affiliations

Possession of Injectable Epinephrine Among Children with Parent-Reported Food Allergies in Saudi Arabia

Amer Khojah et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background/Objectives: A food allergy (FA) is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to specific food. FA reactions vary from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Despite the effectiveness of epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs), barriers such as lack of knowledge, limited access, and fear of needles hinder their use. This study explores EAI possession among children with parent-reported food allergies in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from October 2023 to February 2024 included 296 parents of children with reported food allergies under the age of 18. Data were collected through a validated self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among 2102 respondents, 296 (14.1%) reported having a child with a food allergy. Most respondents were female (70%), with asthma being the most common comorbidity (26%). Common allergens included eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, and sesame. Only 23.3% of children had an EAI. Higher EAI possession was associated with parental education, maternal allergy history, and access to specialist care. Conclusions: EAI possession among Saudi children with food allergies is suboptimal. Targeted educational interventions, increased access to allergists, and comprehensive management plans are essential to improve preparedness for anaphylaxis.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; epinephrine; epinephrine auto-injector; food allergy; parental education.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of food allergy symptoms among children with parent-reported food allergies.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Common food allergens among children with parent-reported food allergies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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