1 Researching Sex and Gender in Food Allergy : An Integrative Framework Audrey DunnGalvin; Jonathan O’B.Hourihane; Ineke Klinge.

2 Gaps in sex/gender research on food allergy. - Biological vulnerability - Exposure to health risks - Perception of symptoms - Evaluation of risk - Information processing - Role expectations

3 How: Practical Examples ? Gender and sex routinely identified in sampling : Agreed Terminology Stratification by sex and age Interdisciplinary and integrative research : Methodology Shared knowledge Support Systems : Policy and research links Training Database

4 Mechanisms that underpin sex/gender differences in health A bi-directional relationship Are experience dependent Are multi-determined

5 An Integrative Framework ? Health as a dynamic, multifactorial phenomenon that influences physical, psychological and social functioning. Developing systems interact, react with, and programme one another. Promotes interdisciplinary research

6 Developmental Trajectories Critical or sensitive periods are those stages of functional development when a regulatory pathway is being constructed or modified. The developing child/adolescent is particularly sensitive to favourable or unfavourable environmental factors.

7 The complex interaction between nature and nurture Research on adolescents shows that girls, compared to boys, are at an increased risk for psychological disturbance, including internalising behaviour problems and poorer self-concept during the transition phase from childhood to adolescence.

8 Focus Groups with children aged 6-12 years.

9 “Living with a food allergy: An exploration of children’s views and experiences”. Gender differences in coping strategies were particularly pronounced for children >8 years. Girls have high levels of anxiety and adopt avoidant behaviour Boys tend to become defiant, use minimisation as a coping strategy and adopt risky behaviours.

10 A critical point in development. We identified a critical point in the food allergy specific developmental trajectory occurs when children learn or feel that they cannot prevent a reaction from occurring. Direct and indirect effects on emotional adjustment, coping strategies, risk and safety, symptom perception, and overall QoL.

11 Future Research Integrative longitudinal studies examining life course effects. Data collected during biological, psychological and social transitions. Describe the specific bio-behavioural pathways that link social context with health outcomes for both men and women.