The relationship between chronic paediatric feeding disorders and caregiver stress

Abstract

Paediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) are common. Earlier studies have shown an association between PFD and caregiver stress, but these studies have been hampered by insufficient power. This study reports stress for caregivers of children diagnosed with PFD. These caregivers were then compared to community norms of the Parental Stress Index–Short Form. Caregivers also completed the Mealtime Behaviour Questionnaire, Child Behaviour Checklist and Child Development Inventory. Linear regression and hierarchical regression analyses assessed the relationship among the variables. Caregivers of 840 children with PFD responded. Negative child behaviours and lower child developmental function predicted higher levels of total parenting stress, parental distress, parent–child dysfunctional interaction and caregiver perceptions of their child as difficult. Higher rates of child internalizing and externalizing problems and child mealtime aggression were associated with parent perceptions of their child as difficult and contributed to total parental stress. Parents of older children reported higher levels of stress, whereas parents of younger children were more likely to be defensive responders. Overall, parents of children with PFD have more caregiver-related stress. These caregivers may benefit from consultations with mental health professionals to provide the most appropriate care to affected families.

A Systematic Review of the Parenting, Feeding, Behavior, Family, and Nutrition for Children with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

“…The articles that explain ARFID in children are feeding, nutritional, behavior, parenting, and family (28.01%, 23.27%, 20.71, 15.58%, and 12.43%. Eighteen articles discuss feeding 18,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] . The feeding theme can be explained by abnormal feeding attitudes, childhood feeding disorders, or feeding problems.…”

“…Childhood feeding disorder in ARFID is problem behavior during meal times (i.e., verbal refusals, food avoidance, food selectivity, etc.) 30 .…”

“…Fifteen articles describe the nutritional themes 18,20,21,23,25,26,[28][29][30][31][33][34][35][36][37] . Nutritional themes are explained by nutritional status and nutritional need.…”

“…Furthermore, parental stress can be measured by the Parental Stress Index (PSI). Family themes were reviewed by 15 articles 21,[23][24][25][26][28][29][30][31][33][34][35][37][38][39] . The family's role is significant in facilitating a right environment for children and how families introduce the background to children early.…”

“…There are ten articles that review feeding, behavior, and family 21,[23][24][25][26][28][29][30][31]35 . The family, in this case, the mother, provides meals for children such as involving children in planning healthy food, allowing children to choose food, inviting children to cook, making interesting food forms, cooking vegetables, taking children to healthy food shop, and make healthy snacks at home.…”