The effect of education on teachers' food allergy and anaphylaxis management self-efficacy levels

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of food allergy and anaphylaxis management training on teachers' self-efficacy in managing food allergy and anaphylaxis. Method: This study was one group pre-test-post test design model,a quasi-experimental research type. The study was conducted with 90 teachers working in primary and secondary schools in Balçova district center of Izmir Provincial Directorate of National Education between May-September 2019. Teachers who participated in the research were given "Training for Teachers on Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management in Schools". Pre-test and post-test data were collected by applying "School Personnel's Self-Efficacy in Managing Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis at School" and "Question Form" before and after the training. The data were evaluated by descriptive statistics and paired samples t test. Findings: The areas in which the attendees presented the lowest confidence before receiving the education were put in place a personelized care plan for the management of students with food allergy, recognition of anaphylaxis symptoms and administer drug (e.g adrenalin auto-injector) to a student having a severe and sudden reaction. There was a statistically significant increase in all scale items after the training (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between the pre-and post-training teachers' food allergy management, anaphylaxis management subscales and scale total scores (p <0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that the "Training for Teachers on Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management in Schools" significantly increased teachers' self-efficacy in managing food allergy and anaphylaxis. It is recommended that all school staff be given regular training on food allergy and anaphylaxis management in schools, and also development at protection and prevention policies against anaphylactic reaction in school.Keyword: Food allergy; anaphylaxis; teachers; self-efficacy; school