Understanding the Experiences of Mothers of Teenaged Children with Life-Threatening Food Allergies: A Philosophical Hermeneutic Inquiry

Abstract

Currently, food allergy affects close to 300,000 children less than 18 years of age in Canada. The number of individuals with life-threatening food allergies has seen a dramatic increase globally over the last decade. For those with a life-threatening food allergy, there is no cure and individuals affected face the possibility of a deadly reaction every time they eat. The only life-saving measure that may be used with such a reaction is an injection of epinephrine given within seconds to minutes of eating the allergen. This is challenging for children with these allergies as they may face exclusion, feeling like an inconvenience to others, bullying, and anxiety about their condition. However, less is known about how this affects the mothers of these children, particularly mothers of teen-aged children who are exerting their independence and autonomy. The list of responsibilities and tasks for mothers is already extremely long and when combined with having a child with life- threatening food allergies, it can seem endless. The purpose of this philosophical hermeneutic inquiry was to understand the experiences of mothers of teen-aged children with life-threatening food allergies. Seven mothers of teen-aged children with life-threatening food allergies were interviewed for this study to uncover new understandings about this experience. Data were analyzed in hermeneutic research tradition, as influenced by the philosophical hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer. Findings revealed that this experience encompasses looking toward the future while looking backwards over life already lived, realizing that allergies can take a backseat to other worries, and learning to let go of the vigilance maintained in earlier years. Part of the goal of doctoral research is the hope that there will be something of importance that develops from the findings that may change knowledge and/or practice in nursing, that a gap has been addressed. Prior to this study, there were no studies about the experiences of mothers of teen-aged children with life-threatening food allergies from a philosophical hermeneutic perspective. By conducting this research, I have contributed to new knowledge in this field, while still remaining open in my interpretations, knowing that my research question could have been answered differently and that this is but one offering about how we might understand this topic. Through this new knowledge gained through the research, recommendations are offered on how nurses can support mothers and families with individuals with life-threatening food allergies, as well as suggestions of how other structures in society, such as the school system and medical system, may be supportive to these families in living through these experiences.