Journal of Pediatric Psychology 29(4) pp. 315-320, 2004
Journal of Pediatric Psychology vol. 29 no. 4 © Society of Pediatric Psychology 2004; all rights reserved
Brief Report: Parent Perspectives of Nutritional Status and Mealtime Behaviors in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
1 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center/University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2 Divisions of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and 3 Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
All correspondence should be sent to Monica J. Mitchell, Division of Psychology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC #3015, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. E-mail: Monica.Mitchell{at}chmcc.org.
Objective To qualitatively evaluate parent perspectives of eating problems, nutritional status, and the potential for nutritional intervention in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Methods Twenty parents of children with SCD participated in one of three focus groups to discuss questions related to the study's objectives. Three coders rated transcripts to identify common perceptions and experiences (themes) among participants. Results Poor appetite and its impact on nutritional and general health were particular concerns for parents. Parents addressed eating challenges with dietary supplementation, limit setting, and compromising at meals, often without consultation from health professionals. An intervention program should include facilitators, such as flexible scheduling and incentives to counter barriers, such as scheduling and child care conflicts. Conclusions Parents of children with SCD reported a range of eating behavior challenges. Parents presented ideas on how nutritional intervention could be culturally sensitive and on how to promote participation in such programs.
Key words: nutrition; mealtime challenges; pediatric sickle cell disease; focus group; intervention.
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