Exploring Parents' Experiences and Perceptions of Caring for Children With Feeding Difficulties and Developmental Disabilities: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the experiences and perceptions of Singaporean parents in managing feeding difficulties among children with developmental disabilities.

Study Design

A descriptive qualitative study design was used.

Methods

Twenty parents were recruited via convenience sampling from a paediatric feeding clinic in a public hospital in Singapore between July and October 2024. One-to-one interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) Feeding as a ‘guessing’ game; (2) mutual understanding within the family and community; (3) beliefs regarding developmental disabilities and feeding difficulties; and (4) challenges in accessing adequate support. There were a total of nine subthemes supporting these themes.

Conclusion

This study revealed that parents of children with developmental disabilities faced challenges in adjusting to their child's feeding preferences, dealing with conflicting views on feeding practices among caregivers, and accessing adequate support. Parents also valued instrumental support from grandparents and domestic helpers, as well as emotional support from online peers. Additional research and targeted interventions are needed to better support parents of children with developmental disabilities in managing feeding difficulties.

Implications

Policies should facilitate the provision of feeding-specific resources, treatment, and education for parents. Additionally, healthcare providers should proactively assess feeding-related concerns and address misconceptions to enhance parental awareness of feeding difficulties and how they can improve the feeding practices of their children with developmental disabilities. Future research should obtain a more in-depth understanding of how differing beliefs in feeding difficulties between parents can impact the child's developmental outcomes, as well as the support and resources that may address feeding needs in these children.

Reporting Method

This study followed the reporting guidelines outlined by the Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative (COREQ) research checklist.

Public Contribution

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.