Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Children With Feeding and Eating Problems and Disorders and Their Families

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
Source: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Original Articles: Nutrition Source Type: research