A nationwide web-based training program has significantly improved food allergy knowledge and confidence among school professionals in Portugal. The findings were presented at the 2026 annual congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI).
Food allergies pose a growing risk in educational settings, with accidental exposure potentially leading to anaphylaxis. Despite this, many staff members reported feeling unprepared to recognize or manage allergic reactions. To bridge this gap, researchers developed an online curriculum aligned with EAACI guidance and national health recommendations.
The interventional study enrolled 639 school professionals across Portugal. Of these, 477 participants completed comprehensive food allergy knowledge assessments using a validated 26-item questionnaire. Participants were divided into pre-test, post-test, and pre-post evaluation groups to measure efficacy.
Following the intervention, overall knowledge scores surged from 62.1% at baseline to 79.6% after training. The improvements were statistically significant, with p-values less than 0.001.
The most substantial gains were observed in anaphylaxis management, which increased by 35.6%. Bullying awareness related to food allergies rose by 42.4%, alongside marked improvements in strategies to prevent accidental allergen exposure.
Participants also reported significantly greater confidence in identifying allergens, interpreting food labels, and implementing exposure prevention measures. These results suggest that targeted online education can effectively address critical knowledge deficits among school staff.
The authors concluded that this scalable and cost-effective program successfully addressed key gaps in food allergy preparedness. They recommend integrating similar training initiatives into national and international school health policies to enhance safety, emergency readiness, and inclusion for children with food allergies.
Reference: Machado E et al. Impact of a nationwide web-based training programme on food allergy knowledge and perceived competences management in schools. Abstract 000206. EAACI, 12-15 June, 2026.