Brief report: parent perspectives of nutritional status and mealtime behaviors in children with sickle cell disease.

Objective: To qualitatively evaluate parent perspectives of eating problems, nutritional status, and the potential for nutritional intervention in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods: Twenty parents of children with SCD participated in one of three focus groups to discuss questions related to the study's objectives. Three coders rated transcripts to identify common perceptions and experiences (themes) among participants.

Results: Poor appetite and its impact on nutritional and general health were particular concerns for parents. Parents addressed eating challenges with dietary supplementation, limit setting, and compromising at meals, often without consultation from health professionals. An intervention program should include facilitators, such as flexible scheduling and incentives to counter barriers, such as scheduling and child care conflicts.

Conclusions: Parents of children with SCD reported a range of eating behavior challenges. Parents presented ideas on how nutritional intervention could be culturally sensitive and on how to promote participation in such programs.