Improving diet quality and nutrient intake in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients: The role of nutrition education.

OBJECTIVES

Having an optimal nutritional status and getting adequate energy and nutrients are important factors that affect the success of the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) and increase survival. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional status, nutritional intake, and dietary quality among children aged 2 to 14 with CF. We aimed to assess the impact of a nutrition education intervention provided to mothers on these parameters and compare the results with a control group.

METHODS

Participants (n = 46) were divided into two groups, one group received nutrition education, the other group did not receive any intervention, and all participants were followed up in the 1st and 3rd months of the study. Each participant completed a questionnaire form prepared by the researcher including general information about the patient, anthropometric data, 3-day dietary intake, and Mediterranean Diet Quality Index.

RESULTS

While the children's Mediterranean Diet Quality Index scores did not change significantly during the study period, the proportion of children in the education group who had adequate nutrition according to body mass index percentile for age increased from 42.0% to 48.0%. In addition, energy (kcal), fat (g), and monounsaturated fatty acids (g) intake, vitamin D, E, K, B6, biotin, and iron intakes of the education group increased significantly during the study (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes to the literature by showing that nutrition education given to mothers for CF children, improves the nutritional status of children and increases their energy and nutrient intakes.