Evaluaiton of the relationship between the diet quality of children with intellectual disabilities and their parents nutritional knowledge

Intellectual disability is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. The eating habits of children with intellectual disabilities are largely influenced by the knowledge level and attitudes of their parents. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the diet quality of children with intellectual disabilities and the nutritional knowledge levels of their parents. The study was conducted between October 2024 and March 2025 with the voluntary participation of 100 parents of children aged 5 to 13 with intellectual disabilities who were attending the Gaziosmanpaşa Municipality Center for Accessible Life and Solidarity in Istanbul. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires using a personal information form, the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED), and the Nutrition Knowledge Scale (NKS). A statistically significant difference has been determined between parents' nutritional knowledge levels and children's diet quality in the study (p<0.05).Children of parents with a high level of knowledge were observed to have better diet quality.A positive and significant correlation was also found between KIDMED and NKS scores (r=0.379; p<0.001). A significant difference has been observed between parents' educational status and their nutritional knowledge level (p<0.05). As the level of education increased, the knowledge level also rose.As the degree of disability of children increased, the rate of short stature also increased (p<0.05). In contrast, a significant difference has not been determined between children's BMI and height and parents' nutritional knowledge level or children's diet quality (p>0.05). The results of this study indicate that parental knowledge level is an important factor in improving the nutritional status of children with intellectual disabilities.Further scientific research is needed to contribute to the literature on this subject. Keywords: Children With Intellectual Disabilities; Diet Quality; KIDMED; Nutrition Knowledge Level