P346 Dietary practices and beliefs among parents of children with inflammatory bowel disease: preliminary results

Abstract

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often worry about a diet and they make links to certain foods in order to prevent disease flare. So far, dietary practices and beliefs were investigated in adult patients with IBD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary beliefs and behaviors among parents of children and adolescents with IBD. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in two University-affiliated hospitals for children in Poland (cities of Warsaw and Olsztyn) between March and November 2016. Parents of children with IBD diagnosed according to Porto criteria were asked to filled in questionnaire that consisted of two parts. The first part consisted of a few questions regarding age, sex and diagnosis of the patient. In the second part of the questionnaire, parents were asked about dietary beliefs and practices regarding their children. Results: A total of 66 parents of children and adolescents with IBD participated in the survey. Mean age of children was 14.1±3.5 years, 52% girls, 45% Crohn's disease. 28% (n=19) of respondents believed that diet could initiate the disease, while 69% (n=46) believed that food could trigger a flare. About 72% (n=48) reported not eating foods that child usually like, in order to prevent relapse and around 38% (n=25) felt uncomfortable with outdoor dining because of the disease. 50% (n=33) of respondents reported that the disease had changed the pleasure of eating. 31% (n=21) of patients did not share the same menu as the other members of the family. Above 80% of respondents declared avoiding fast food, hot spices and soft and blue cheeses. 77% reported avoiding soft drinks and salty snacks, and above 60% reported avoiding milk (boiled milk - 47%), legumes and fried foods. A half of respondents declared avoiding chocolate and other sweets. Majority of parents (65%; n=43) believed that their child with IBD requires nutritionist care and 47% (n=31) of them received nutrition advice by dietitian. 13% of patients has not received any nutrition advice ever. Conclusions: Preliminary results of our study showed that majority of parents of children with IBD hold beliefs concerning to the role of diet in IBD that result in avoidance of certain foods.