A FOUR SESSION ONLINE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY GROUP TRANINIG FOR MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH FEEDING PROBLEMS

A PILOT TRIAL OF A FOUR SESSION ONLINE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY GROUP TRANINIG FOR MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH FEEDING PROBLEMS

Feeding problems such as selective eating, loss of appetite, and mealtime behavior problems are common in childhood. Parents play a primary role in learning about feeding, and difficulties experienced in this process may cause the parent to experience stress, despair and exhibit incorrect attitudes. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of online occupational therapy group training for mothers on mothers' attitudes and stress levels, and children's eating behaviors. Mothers of children aged 3-6 years with feeding problems (n=29) were randomly divided into groups. Early Childhood Adaptive Eating Behavior Scale, Feeding Process Mother Attitudes Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scales were used for evaluation. The mothers in the research group participated in the 4-week training. As a result of the research, positive effects were found on mothers' attitudes and children's eating behaviors (p<0.05). There was no change in mothers' state and trait anxiety levels (p>0.05). This study shows that online group training to mothers can support existing therapies and guides clinicians working in the field.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a mother with a child between 37-72 months of age,
• Experiencing feeding problems with their child,
• Having the ability to understand the training and comprehend the scale items,
• Volunteering to participate,
• Having the competence to use online platforms, tools, and the internet connection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receiving special education and/or occupational therapy sessions due to any risk,
• Having any chronic disease or disability in their child.