Effectiveness of Face‐to‐Face and Social Media‐Based Food Allergy Education for Parents: A Theory‐Based Quasi‐Experimental Study Using Pender's Health Promotion Model

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Living with Food Allergy Education (LFAE), based on Pender's Health Promotion Model, delivered to parents of children with food allergies through face‐to‐face and social media formats. This non‐randomized, quasi‐experimental study used a two‐group pretest–posttest design. The sample comprised 70 parents of children aged 0–18 years diagnosed with food allergy, with 35 participants in the face‐to‐face group and 35 in the Instagram group. Data were collected using the Parent Data Collection Form and the LFAE Evaluation Form and analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical tests, two‐way ANOVA, correlation, and simple linear regression. Before the training, there was no significant difference between the groups in LFAE knowledge scores ( p > 0.05). Knowledge scores increased significantly in both groups after the training. Mean food allergy knowledge scores changed significantly over time ( F = 66.737; p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.495), whereas the time‐by‐group interaction was not significant ( F = 0.001; p > 0.05). Thus, both groups benefited from the education, with no evidence that either delivery format was superior. These findings should not be interpreted as evidence of equivalence. The results are limited to changes in parental knowledge and do not demonstrate improvements in practical skills, self‐efficacy, decision‐making, or food allergy management behaviors.