Survey on the economic impact of peanut allergy

The prevalence of peanut allergy is increasing in Western countries and is reported to be up to 3% among children. The impact of peanut allergy on households is profound in terms of daily meal modification, emergency medications, etc., but data on socio-economic consequences are scarce. 

The study aimed to estimate the direct (out-of-pocket expenses such as medical or food expenses) and indirect (time lost or earnings lost) costs of peanut allergy in households with children between 4 and 11 years of age across Germany, France, and the United Kingdom (UK). 

This was a cross-sectional, observational, and multi-country study run through a web-based survey. The inclusion criteria were adults aged ≥18 years who were parents or legal guardians of children from 4 to 11 years old NOT SUFFERING from food allergy (control group or controls) or SUFFERING from peanut allergy having been diagnosed by an HCP and not participating in a clinical trial (peanut group or cases). Children suffering from diabetes and/or coeliac disease were excluded. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were self-reported by the participant.  

Conclusions 

Peanut allergy has a significant economic impact on households with afflicted children and incurs higher costs as compared to individuals without food allergy. Higher costs comprised both direct and indirect costs in Germany and only direct costs in France and the UK. Significantly higher annual medical and food costs were observed in all 3 countries for families dealing with peanut allergy. 

Anaphylaxis UK supported the research through the recruitment of families who met the research criteria.