Growth and Development of Children With Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

The Effect of Individualized Nutrition Training Given to the Families of Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in the Post-Operative Period on their Growth and Development This study was conducted experimentally to determine the effects of individualized nutrition training given to mothers of children who had surgery for CHD on their growth and development.

The data of the study were collected at Çukurova University Medical Faculty Balcalı Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery between 20/01/2021-30/06/2021. The research was conducted by interviewing the families of 42 children with congenital heart disease. Personal information form, growth parameters and Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory were applied to three groups formed as two experimental and control groups by randomization method. Family-centered care and individualized nutrition training were applied to the first experimental group who was fed orally and and the second experimental group orally and nutritionally fed. These trainings were about nutritional contents suitable for the age of the baby, the way of preparing the food and meeting the calorie needs of the baby. No training was given to the control group during the research process. The growth and development parameters of all three groups were evaluated and the effect of education was examined.

Inclusion criteria

• Congenital heart disease,
• Born on time (38-42 weeks)
• Over 2.300 gr.
• fed with additional nutritional support to oral and oral nutrition,
• Decided to have surgery,
• 0-3 years old,
• The children and their families who were followed up in the post-operative service were included.

Exclusion criteria

• No congenital heart disease
• Not planned to have surgery,
• over 3 years old,
• Children with additional congenital malformation, dysmorphic syndrome, chromosomal disease, severe infection, hypothyroidism and similar disorders that may cause growth and development retardation were excluded from the study.