Transition From a Paper Diary to an Electronic Diary by Parents of Preschool Children With Food Allergies: Pilot Study

Background Food allergies (FAs) can be life-threatening and represent a significant public health concern. The reported prevalence of FA in Japan is 7.6% in 1-year-olds, 6.7% in 2-year-olds, and 4.9% in 3-year-olds. In addition, avoiding allergenic foods, prompt identification, and response are required when symptoms appear. A food diary is a tool for daily dietary management, recording of symptoms, and communication between families of children with FA and health care providers. Conventionally, paper diaries (P-diaries) have been used. Recent technological advancements and the extensive use of smartphones have prompted the development of numerous electronic diaries (E-diaries). However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of E-diaries in Japan. Objective This study aimed to assess the experiences of parents of preschool children with FA as they transitioned from P-diaries to E-diaries. Methods For 6 months commencing in October 2020, during the period of movement restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we recruited parents of preschool children diagnosed with FAs by an allergist at a single general hospital. This pilot study used a single-group pretest–posttest design to evaluate the feasibility of using an E-diary. To assess parents’ views on transitioning to E-diaries from P-diaries, data were collected using semistructured interviews conducted after 6 months of E-diary use. Results Five parents took part in the study. The problems with P-diaries and the effects and outcomes of E-diaries from the perspective of parents of preschool children with FA were categorized into 52 codes, which were grouped into 19 subcategories and 6 categories. Parents of preschool children with FA reported the following issues: I. difficulties with using a P-diary ; II. stress related to sharing information with doctors ; III. difficulties in making disease management habitual as issues with P-diary use ; IV. ease of using the E-diary as an effect of the transition ; V. more efficient sharing of information with doctors ; and VI. improved adherence as outcomes of E-diary use . Conclusions E-diaries may resolve various issues associated with P-diaries and may be useful tools for communication between parents and physicians regarding disease management. Since the number of participants was small (ie, 5) and the study was conducted at a single facility, theoretical saturation was not reached. In the future, it will be necessary to increase the number of participants to validate these findings.