The FAIR study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Addressing inequalities in the management of food allergy in South Asian adults – a qualitative study shaping composite supportive interventions (The FAIR Study)

  • IRAS ID

    329355

  • Contact name

    M Thirumala Krishna

  • Contact email

    m.t.krishna@bham.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Birmingham

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 4 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Background: Long-term management of food allergy (FA) is underpinned by allergen avoidance and self-management of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) due to accidental consumption of allergen. The burden and complexity for FA and rates of anaphylaxis is significantly greater amongst British South Asians (SAs). Current educational resources for FA are mainly targeted towards White patients.

    Aim: Development of supportive interventions to improve self-management of FA in SA patients.

    Objectives: Main objectives will be included in three work packages (WPs) as follows:
    •WP1: Conduct interviews with SA patients with FA and Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) delivering care to identify facilitators/barriers to FA self-management and inform intervention development.
    •WP2: Apply theoretical modelling to create a set of guiding principles for supportive intervention design and map its content to behaviour change techniques and develop a logic model.
    •WP3: Iteratively draft and refine supportive intervention content with key stakeholder involvement.

    Methods:
    Patient population: SA patients (≥16 years; N=30 for WP1 and N=10-15 for WP3) with a confirmed FA (type-1 hypersensitivity). An inclusive approach will be adopted to maintain a diverse sample with respect to ethnicity, religion, culture, English language proficiency, age and socio-economic status. HCPs: Specialists, GPs, nurses and dieticians managing SA patients with FA in primary and secondary care (N=30 for WP1 and N=10-15 for WP3).
    WP1 involves 1-2-1 semi-structured interviews with patients and HCPs to explore current practice and identify facilitators/barriers. Interviews will be transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
    WP2 will involve theoretical modelling of intervention development based on output from WP1.
    WP3 will involve drafting and refining content of the supportive intervention followed by piloting in SA patients and HCPs in focus groups. Sessions will be recorded, and transcripts generated for thematic analysis and refinement.

    Outputs: Refined intervention content ready for production and evaluation in subsequent funded studies.

  • REC name

    London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    23/PR/0830

  • Date of REC Opinion

    8 Aug 2023

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion