Assessing Teachers' Confidence in Implementing Food Allergy Emergency Plans.

Assessing Teachers’ Confidence in Implementing Food Allergy Emergency Plans by Keturah-Elizabeth Harriett Hawkins MS, University of St. Francis, 2003 BS, Governors State University, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University May 2017 Abstract Food allergies are an increasing health concern in the United States, affecting nearly 6 million children under the age of 18 years. Research has suggested that 18% of school-Food allergies are an increasing health concern in the United States, affecting nearly 6 million children under the age of 18 years. Research has suggested that 18% of schoolage children will have their first allergic reactions at school. Life-threatening allergic reactions experienced by children in the school setting are on the rise; however, little is known about how schools implement policies and practices in response to this issue. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to narrow the knowledge gap by examining teachers’ knowledge, ability, and confidence level caring for students with food allergies. Bandura’s social cognitive theory, which holds that education and experience influence confidence implementing tasks, served as the framework that guided this research. The electronic survey was distributed to a convenience sample of 300 elementary school teachers; 93 respondents completed it. Eighty completed surveys were used in the analysis. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to analyze the relationships among confidence, education, and training related to food allergies. Results showed that teachers who lacked knowledge of food allergies also lacked confidence implementing food allergy plans. School personnel responsible for planning or revising food allergy response protocols can use these findings. The potential for positive social change includes identifying training opportunities, developing policies to sustain food allergy knowledge, and building the capacity of all school staff to implement life-saving measures when children are experiencing allergic reactions. Assessing Teachers’ Confidence in Implementing Food Allergy Emergency Plans by Keturah-Elizabeth Harriett Hawkins MS, University of St. Francis, 2003 BS, Governors State University, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Walden University May 2017 Dedication The work of this dissertation is specifically dedicated to my brother, Rodney James Johnathan Hawkins, who succumbed on July 3, 2008, to anaphylactic shock directly related to the ingestion of seafood (crabmeat) hidden in a meal. Rodney, you are sadly missed, and through your experience, I hope that this study will help others to have a safer and healthier future, and will open up future research to the hidden mystery and prevention of food allergies. This also is a special dedication to all of the young victims of food allergies. Acknowledgments First, I want to acknowledge my Lord/God, the head and leader of my mind, soul, and spirit. He ordered and guided my steps through this endeavor and made everything possible through trust and faith in Him. Thank you, my dear Lord/God, as I am greatly appreciative and honored to know You. Next, I want to extend special thanks to my dissertation chair, Dr. Kai Stewart, who was by my side through it all and who continued to encourage me not to give up, saying, “You will get through this. ” Thank you, Dr. Stewart. You taught me a lot, and you truly had the patience of Job working with me. I want to acknowledge and give special thanks to my five sisters, one brother, nieces, and nephews for being there and cheering me on to the finish line. I made it! Thank you to my church family and work colleagues, especially for helping to set up the participants, reviewing my work, and encouraging me to set deadlines. I am extremely grateful to the rest of my dissertation committee and my Walden family of friends whom I could depend on to send encouraging e-mails that gave me the extra push needed to get through. Finally, I extend a special thanks to my program chair, Dr. Nancy Rea, for listening.