The Effect of COVID-19 on anxiety levels of mothers and changes in the nutritional behavior of their children

Yilmaz S., Can B.

REVISTA DE NUTRICAO, sa.36, ss.1-11, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1590/1678-9865202336e220211
  • Dergi Adı: REVISTA DE NUTRICAO
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-11
  • İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

ObjectiveThis study aimed to measure the anxiety levels of mothers during the pandemic period and to investigate the correlation between anxiety levels and children’s eating behaviors in Turkey.MethodsMothers with children aged 3-6 years (n=303) living in Turkey were recruited from different social media channels until February and March 2021 due to the pandemic. Mothers completed an online questionnaire that included the Child Feeding Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. Pearson correlation analysis and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied to determine the existing relationship between the scales. ResultsAlthough 21.2% of mothers had moderate and severe anxiety, only 0.3% of mothers had coronavirus anxiety. No significant correlation was found between any of the Child Feeding Questionnaire subscales and anxiety levels evaluated according to Beck Anxiety Inventory. Only a correlation was observed between the Beck Anxiety Inventory score and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale score (r=0.47, p<0.001). ConclusionAlthough coronavirus anxiety was found in a small group in our study, more comprehensive studies are needed to see the effect of the anxiety created by the pandemic on child nutrition. Considering that human beings will face various pandemics in the coming years, the negative effects of the pandemic on the individual should be determined and precautions should be taken. In this way, it can be ensured that future generations are healthy in all aspects.Keywords: Anxiety. Children. Coronavirus. Feeding Methods.Clinical Nutrition Nutrição ClínicaEditorJoel Alves LamounierConflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.ReceivedSeptember 16, 2022 Final versionFebruary 7, 2023 ApprovedAugust 28, 2023ORIGINALORIGINAL