Opvoedingsbelasting bij ouders van jonge kinderen (0-5 j) met voedingsproblemen

• DOI: 10.47671/tvg.81.24.125
• Publication Date: 2025-05-08T13:43:09Z
• Authors: L. KEERSMAEKERS; I. GLAZEMAKERS; H. VAN DEN STEENE; D. VAN WEST

Parenting burden on parents of young children (0-5 years) with feeding problems

This research describes a study population of children (aged 0-5 years) with feeding problems and their parents. A comparison is made between parenting stress of parents of children with feeding problems and a control group without feeding problems.

This was a quantitative, descriptive study with some qualitative aspects, comparing parenting stress between a study population of children (aged 0-5 years) with feeding problems and a control group without feeding problems. Data collection was conducted using two questionnaires distributed to parents at the UKJA (University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Antwerp) and daycare centers. Characteristics of young children and their parents were mapped out, along with data on parenting burden (via a parenting stress questionnaire, OBVL). The data were entered into Microsoft Excel and subsequently, a statistical analysis (using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and unpaired t-test) was applied to compare parenting stress between the study population and the control group. Several themes were qualitatively described for illustration.

The average OBVL score in the study population is significantly higher than in the control group. Specific factors contribute to a higher parenting stress: inadequate weight gain or growth, picky eating, fear of new foods, children becoming upset during meals, and a higher number of caregivers involved.

Feeding problems in young children are associated with higher parenting stress. Based on these findings, several suggestions for the treatment of feeding problems can be made. The study suggests the necessity of involving parents in the treatment of feeding problems.