Abstract

LONDONO, Teresa et al. Improving the control of food allergy and intolerance risks in school settings: qualitative inputs from focus groups. Gac Sanit [online]. 2019, vol.33, n.1, pp.89-91.  Epub Oct 28, 2019. ISSN 0213-9111.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2018.01.003.

This paper describes the use of focus groups as part of the evaluation of programmes to control food allergy and intolerance (FAI) in school settings in the city of Barcelona (Spain). After fostering their adoption and as a qualitative component of their evaluation, the public health services ran two focus groups, one with people from schools that manage their own kitchen, and another from companies that outsource this service. There were 28 participants from 46% of the centres invited. All the schools seem to have implemented a self-control programme on FAI. Although outsourcing companies already had a programme, the schools that managed their own service mostly adopted the programme promoted by the public health services. The number of schoolchildren with reported FAI reduced after the programme, as it required more rigorous documentation from families.

Keywords : Qualitative evaluation; Programme evaluation; Focus groups; Food allergy; Public health practice.

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