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Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Children With Feeding and Eating Problems and Disorders and Their Families
Hilde Krom1,2, Joost van Mameren3,4, Lianne Remijn3,5
1From the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children with feeding and eating problems and disorders (FEPD). Parents reported increased stress, child feeding difficulties, and reduced family support compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Nutrition
- Public Health
Background:
- Feeding and eating problems and disorders (FEPD) in children saw increased incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The pandemic's effects on young children with FEPD and their families require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children diagnosed with FEPD.
- To evaluate the experiences of parents with children suffering from FEPD during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with parents of children aged 0-11 years in the Netherlands.
- Questionnaires assessed demographic information, pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) and/or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) criteria, and pandemic-related impacts.
- Parental responses for children with FEPD were compared against those of healthy controls (HCs).
Main Results:
- 129 children with FEPD and 111 HCs were included in the study.
- Parents of children with FEPD reported significantly higher child stress (P=0.014) and parental stress (P=0.014).
- Worse child eating behaviors (P<0.001), more negative family dynamics (P=0.006), and less environmental support (P=0.001) were reported by parents of children with FEPD.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic exerted a substantial impact on young children with FEPD and their parents.
- Parents of children with FEPD experienced heightened stress, feeding challenges, and diminished support systems.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and support for families navigating FEPD during public health crises.
Objectives:
The incidence of feeding and eating problems and disorders (FEPD) in children increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children with FEPD and their parents.
Methods:
Cross-sectional survey: parents of children with FEPD (0-11 years) in the Netherlands completed an online questionnaire (January-April 2021). This questionnaire included 4 demographic questions (including criteria of pediatric feeding disorder [PFD] and/or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder [ARFID]) and 11 questions related to experienced impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Parental responses regarding children with FEPD (including PFD and ARFID) were compared with those of healthy controls (HCs).
Results:
In total, 240 children (median age, 5.5 years; interquartile range [IQR], 3.5-7.9 years; 53.3% female) were included; 129 children with FEPD and 111 HC. Most children with FEPD fulfilled criteria for PFD (n = 119; 92.2%) and/or ARFID (n = 117; 90.7%). Parents of children with FEPD reported more stress (of their child [ P = 0.014] and parental stress [ P = 0.014]), worse eating by the child ( P < 0.001), more negative relations within the family ( P = 0.006), and less support from the environment ( P = 0.001) compared with parents of HC during the COVID-19 pandemic than before.
Conclusions:
It seems that the COVID-19 pandemic had great impact on young children with FEPD and their parents because parents of children with FEPD reported significantly more perceived stress within both the child and parents, more difficult eating behavior of the child, more negative behavior between family members, and less support from the environment as compared with HC.
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