The effect of individualized nutrition training given to the families of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the post-operative period on their growth and development

This study was conducted experimentally to determine the effects of individualized nutrition training given to mothers of children who had surgery for CHD on their growth and development. The data of the study were collected at Çukurova University Medical Faculty Balcalı Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery between 20/01/2021–30/06/2021. The research was conducted by interviewing the families of 42 children with congenital heart disease. Personal information form, growth parameters and Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory were applied to three groups formed as two experimental and control groups by randomization method. Family-centered care and individualized nutrition training were applied to the first experimental group who was fed orally and and the second experimental group orally and nutritionally fed. These trainings were about nutritional contents suitable for the age of the baby, the way of preparing the food and meeting the calorie needs of the baby. No training was given to the control group during the research process. The growth and development parameters of all three groups were evaluated and the effect of education was examined. It was determined that the control and experimental groups were similar in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, and the groups were homogeneous and independent. In the study, a statistically significant difference was found in terms of weight difference between the 3rd follow-up and the 1st follow-up according to the groups (χ2=14.235; p=0.001). A significant difference was found in the growth parameters and weight gain of the children in the training group. In addition, the growth parameters and total development scores of the babies who were breastfed for more than 12 months were found to be significantly higher than the babies who received less breast milk (p<0.05). As a result, growth and development can be supported with individualized nutrition training given to children with CHD. Pediatric nurses should support children and families with the trainings they provide. Key words: Child health and nursing, congenital heart disease, growth and development, nutrition education.