An investigation of the relationships between parental feeding practices and eating behaviours of children with Down syndrome

Principle investigator
Dr Samantha Rogers

Have you been granted ethics approval?
yes

Name
Dr Samantha Rogers

Job title
Research Fellow

Organisation
University of Hertfordshire

Introduction
As Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire with expertise in Down syndrome and children’s eating behaviours, we are interested in eating behaviours and feeding problems of children with Down syndrome in the pre-school years. We are also interested in how their eating behaviours are related to other factors such as breastfeeding, formula-feeding and how they interact with their parents during mealtimes.

Aims
This study will investigate relationships between parental feeding practices and eating behaviours of young children with Down syndrome. The aims of the study are to: 1.) Describe feeding practices and eating behaviours in Down syndrome and explore relationships between these; 2.) Identify unmet needs of families; and 3.) Provide evidence for a larger-scale externally-funded longitudinal study.

Methods
Phase 1 involves the completion of a few short questionnaires (this can be done online, by post, or in person via local support groups).
Phase 2 involves an interview with the researcher to understand more about the parent’s and child’s experiences (this can be done in person, or over the telephone or Skype). There is also the option to take part in a mealtime observation at home, which will help us to further understand the eating behaviours of children with Down syndrome.

Current progress – including recruitment and planned finish dates.
We are currently still recruiting parents of children with Down syndrome aged between 6 months and 5 years. We plan to finish recruitment and data collection in December 2019.

What help would you like (if any) from DSMIG membership.
We would like to ask parents of children with Down syndrome (aged between 6 months and 5 years) to email us if they are interested in participating in the study. We are particularly keen to recruit parents who would be happy to take part in an interview (in person or over the telephone) to understand more about their experiences of feeding and supporting their child with eating.