Investigating the seasonal effects of bee sting allergies on anxiety, somatization, and quality of life in children
Main Article Content
Keywords
anxiety, bee sting allergies, pediatric allergy, somatization, quality of life
Abstract
Objective: Bee stings, a prevalent issue globally, trigger severe allergic reactions and significantly impact physical health. However, their effects on psychologic well-being and quality of life, especially across seasons, are less understood. This study evaluates the impact of bee sting allergies on anxiety, somatization, and quality of life in children, with a focus on seasonal differences.
Methods: Conducted at the Medical Faculty of Erciyes University, this prospective study involved 106 children aged 6–18 years—53 with bee sting allergies and 53 healthy controls. Assessments using the Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Disorders (SCARED), Children’s Somatization Inventory-24 (CSI-24), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were performed in winter and spring.
Results: Children with bee sting allergies exhibited significantly higher anxiety and somatization compared to controls, with lower quality of life scores in physical, emotional, and academic domains. Seasonal variations showed increased anxiety in spring, with fluctuating somatization and quality of life indicators, although these changes were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Bee sting allergies significantly affect children’s anxiety, somatization, and quality of life, with seasonal changes exacerbating these impacts. Targeted interventions are needed to address these challenges, particularly during peak allergen periods.
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