"Living with Risk": Mothering a Child with Food-induced Anaphylaxis

Food-induced anaphylaxis (FIA) affects an increasing number of children and families encountered in a variety of nursing environments. Sensitive nursing care requires consideration of the psychosocial impact of the condition. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to arrive at an understanding of the mother's lived experience of parenting a child with FIA. Semistructured interviews were conducted with six mothers of children 6 to 12 years old considered at risk for FIA. Data analysis was carried out concurrently with data collection, revealing "Living with Risk" as the essence of the experience, supported by five themes: "Living with Fear," "Worrying About Well-Being," "Looking for Control," "Relying on Resources," and "It Is Hard But It Is Not." These findings should assist nurses in meeting families' education and support needs related to FIA.