Validation of the Korean Versions of the Scale of Food Allergy Anxiety and the Food Allergy Anxiety Scales for Children and Parents

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean versions of the Child- and Parent-Rated Scale of Food Allergy Anxiety (K-SOFAA-C and K-SOFAA-P) and the Food Allergy Anxiety Scale for Children (K-FAAS-C). Additionally, we sought to identify factors associated with high levels of food allergy (FA)-related anxiety in Korean children and their parents. METHODS: We enrolled patients aged 6-18 years with FA and their parents. The original English versions of the SOFAA-C, SOFAA-P, and FAAS-C were translated into Korean. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α coefficients. Convergent validity was evaluated by examining the correlations between each questionnaire and the Korean version of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (K-FAQLQ) as well as generic anxiety scales. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with high anxiety. RESULTS: < 0.05). Respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with higher K-SOFAA-C (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-17.17) and K-SOFAA-P scores (aOR, 10.57; 95% CI, 1.94-57.52). Residing in non-metropolitan areas was associated with higher K-FAAS-C scores (aOR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.06-13.11). CONCLUSIONS: The K-SOFAA-C, K-FAAS-C, and K-SOFAA-P are reliable and valid instruments for assessing FA-related anxiety in Korean children and their parents. These tools may facilitate clinical assessment and management by identifying individuals at high risk of FA-related anxiety, particularly those with respiratory symptoms or living in non-metropolitan areas.