School-based challenges and expactations of parents of childrens with diet-related chronic illnesses

As a result of the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases such as celiac disease, diabetes and phenylketonuria in childhood, as well as the increase in unhealthy eating habits in schools, the problems of students who continue their educational lives with these diseases have become striking. The aim of this study is to examine the problems and expectations of these children in schools from the perspective of parents and to develop solutions. The universe of participants consisted of the parents of children with diet-related chronic diseases at primary school age who were reached by criterion sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods. The parents participated in the study on a completely voluntary basis. Phenomenological analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The research questions prepared by the researcher were answered in the interviews. Expert opinions were taken in order to ensure the validity and reliability of the research questions, and validity and reliability were ensured by making the necessary corrections in line with the feedback. The results obtained in line with the research questions were analyzed and codes, themes and sub-themes were determined. According to the research findings, children with diet-related chronic diseases may experience difficulties in schools due to unhealthy nutrition practices, lack of in-house knowledge, language and discourse, the nature of the disease and the attitude of school staff. A healthy educational life develops in proportion to school awareness of chronic diseases. This awareness is formed by the child's health awareness, emergency intervention and pedagogical flexibility, teacher attitude and level of awareness, self-management, as well as the presence of staff with intervention competence in schools. Awareness and information activities play a critical role in creating school awareness on chronic diseases. In addition, the importance of school-parent communication and cooperation with the development of health services and physical conditions at school was emphasized by the parents. Considering that chronic diseases have a psychological dimension, the importance of psychosocial prevention and intervention services was conveyed. The existing literature and the findings obtained from the study were discussed together and suggestions were made for future researchers.