Evaluation of eating behaviors in preschool children with phenylketonuria and their families

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare this characteristics of children with phenylketonuria (PKU) in preschool period, which is crucial on the development of children's eating behaviors, with healthy peers and PKU siblings. Material and Method: 2-6 aged, children with PKU (n:40), healthy children without any problem (n:40) and healthy PKU siblings (n:15) were included in the study. Their weight and height were assessed. Family's eating behavior information was obtained by applying 'Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ)' and 'Mother's Attitudes Towards the Feeding Process Scale (MATPS)'. Three-days dietary records of children were assessed by BeBis 7.2 program and total energy, protein (natural protein and medical amino acids intake in children with PKU) and percentages of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrate were determined. SPSS 26 program was used for all statistical assessments. Results: Anthropometric measurements were similar in all groups. There were no significant differences in eating behaviors of children. Score of 'Food responsiveness' was higher in PKU groups than healthy peers (p=0,004). Score of 'Desire to drink' was higher in healthy siblings than children with PKU (p=0,007). There were no significant differences in MATPS scores between all groups (p>0,05). The majority of PKU group (%72, n=29) had a meal with their families. As results of dietary records; carbohydrate consumption in PKU group was higher than healthy peers and PKU siblings (respectively, p=0,000 and p=0,029). Conclusion: PKU has not altered children's eating behaviors, children with PKU have demonstrated similar characteristics with peers. We thought the mothers were more anxious about feeding their children due to the stress of illness, but could not reach a conclusion in this direction. Treatment and monitoring of PKU patients should be indispensable by providing continuous education to family and children under the control of health team for this disease. Key Words: phenylketonuria, preschool period, healthy sibling, eating behavior, maternal behavior