Comparison of emotional eating, nutrition knowledge levels, sleep quality, stress, and nutritional status of mothers with and without children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

This study was aimed to compare the emotional eating behaviors, nutritional knowledge levels, sleep quality, stress, and nutritional status of mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and mothers of children with normal development (ND). The study included a total of 100 woman aged between 30-50 years, with children aged 5 to 18 years diagnosed with ASD (n=50) and ND (n=50). A comprehensive survey was administered to participants, which included demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, a general information form regarding their children, the Emotional Eating Scale (EES), the Parental Stress Scale (PSS), the Nutrition Knowledge Scale (NKS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a 24-hour dietary recall to assess daily energy and nutrient intake. The mean age of the women included in the study was similar (p>0.05). The total score of the Parental Stress Scale for mothers in the ASD group (40.64 ± 11.29) was significantly higher compared to the control group (36.44 ± 8.87) (p=0.041). Notably, differences in favor of mothers in the ASD group were observed in the subdimensions of "viewing parenting as a reward" and "lack of control" (p=0.036 and p=0.011, respectively). In terms of sleep quality, the total sleep quality scores of mothers in the ASD (6.36 ± 3.56) were significantly lower compared to those in the ND group (4.72 ± 2.93) (p=0.014). Additionally, mothers in the ASD exhibited higher levels of daytime dysfunction and sleep medication use (p=0.011 and p=0.040, respectively). Additionally, it was found that 22.0% of mothers in the ASD and 2.0% of mothers in the ND were classified as highly emotional eaters (p=0.009). No significant difference was observed in the nutrition knowledge levels of mothers in both groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, mothers of children diagnosed with ASD were found to have higher stress levels and emotional eating behaviors, and lower sleep quality compared to mothers in the ND. Mothers of children diagnosed with ASD experience increased levels of fatigue and stress, along with decreased sleep quality. The availability of accessible centers where mothers can confidently leave their children and receive nutritional and psychological counseling services could improve their quality of life and reduce their stress levels.