A Comparative Analysis of Eating Behavior of School-Aged Children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Their Caregivers' Quality of Life: Perspectives of Caregivers.
Girish Hiremath, Elizabeth Rogers, Elizabeth Kennedy and 2 others
PMID 30712065WHAT IT FOUND
Caregivers of school-aged children with eosinophilic esophagitis did not report different eating behaviors than controls.
However, they experienced significantly higher worry about choking and greater difficulty managing mealtimes, reducing their own quality of life.
Key findings
01Caregivers reported similar eating behaviors in children with eosinophilic esophagitis compared to non-EoE controls.
02Caregivers of children with eosinophilic esophagitis reported significantly greater challenges in planning meals, obtaining help, and worrying about choking.
03Concern for breathing and choking while feeding remained significantly higher after adjusting for other factors.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample size was small and convenience-based, which may have missed subtle differences in eating behaviors. The study was cross-sectional, so it could not track how eating behaviors or caregiver stress changed over time. The control group consisted of children with other gastrointestinal issues, not healthy peers, which may influence comparisons. The study relied entirely on caregiver report, without direct observation of the child's eating.
Declared interests
The authors disclosed no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by the NIH and non-US government research grants.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that a child with eosinophilic esophagitis has no eating behavior problems because the caregiver reports typical behaviors. The caregiver may be working hard to manage the condition, masking issues in the child while experiencing significant personal distress and anxiety about choking.