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Post-discharge feeding problems and associated factors in children undergoing congenital heart surgery: A descriptive
İlçim Ercan-Koyuncu1, Ayşe Ay1, Neslihan Adam2
1Başkent University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Ankara, Türkiye.
Insights
Feeding difficulties are common after congenital heart surgery, affecting 70.1% of children. Lower paternal education and postoperative complications were key predictors, highlighting the need for better feeding support post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Feeding difficulties are a significant concern for children following congenital heart surgery.
- These issues can negatively impact a child's growth, development, and overall family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and types of feeding difficulties experienced by children after discharge from congenital heart surgery.
- To identify associated medical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors influencing these feeding problems.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 177 children (6-60 months post-surgery) who underwent congenital heart defect (CHD) surgery.
- Data were collected via telephone interviews with caregivers using a validated form.
- Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 70.1% of children experienced post-discharge feeding difficulties, including inadequate weight gain (45.8%) and food refusal (31.6%).
- Lower paternal education (OR=6.32), postoperative complications (OR=6.14), and mixed feeding (OR=7.60) were significant predictors.
- Protective factors included obstructive heart defects (OR=0.05) and higher family income (OR=0.084).
Conclusions:
- Feeding problems are prevalent post-congenital heart surgery and linked to clinical and socioeconomic factors.
- Structured discharge planning, early risk identification, and multidisciplinary follow-up are crucial for improving nutritional outcomes.
- Routine feeding assessments and caregiver education during discharge planning are recommended.
Background And Aim:
Feeding difficulties are common after congenital heart surgery and may affect growth, development, and caregiver well-being. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of post-discharge feeding difficulties and examine associated medical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors.
Material And Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study included 177 children. The study involved children with CHD followed at a pediatric cardiovascular surgery clinic, who underwent surgery within the first two years of life and were 6-60 months postoperatively; data were collected between April-May 2025. Data were collected from caregivers via telephone using a validated Patient Information and Follow-up Form. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of post-discharge feeding problems.
Results:
Post-discharge feeding difficulties were reported in 70.1% of participants. The most frequent problems included inadequate weight gain (45.8%), food refusal (31.6%), and fatigue during feeding (28.8%). Multivariate regression identified lower paternal education (OR = 6.32), postoperative complications (OR = 6.14), mixed feeding (OR = 7.60), and difficulties during complementary feeding (OR = 0.014) as significant predictors. Protective factors included obstructive-type heart defects (OR = 0.05) and higher family income (OR = 0.084). Only 0.6% of families received professional feeding support.
Conclusion:
Post-discharge feeding problems are common in children after congenital heart surgery and are associated with clinical and socioeconomic factors. Structured discharge planning, early risk identification, and multidisciplinary follow-up are essential to improve nutritional outcomes.
Implications To Practice:
Routine feeding assessment and caregiver education should be included in discharge planning. Early identification of high-risk families and multidisciplinary follow-up may help prevent feeding problems and support recovery.
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