FOOD CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the demographics and dietary history of children up to 24 months old with congenital heart disease. Methodology: Cross-sectional observational study carried out in a Hospital and Ambulatory care setting. Data Collection was conducted from January to June 2009 using a form that includes the socio demographic characteristics, health and disease status and feeding history of children, as well. Ethical aspects were observed. Results: From the 132 children evaluated, most of them were predominantly from Fortaleza, male, and median age of 8.5 months. The feeding history revealed intakes of industrialized milk and food supplements (49.6%), breastfeeding (11.9%), and breastfeeding along with industrialized milk (7.7%). Problems during feeding: nausea, vomiting, gastroesophageal refux, cough, dyspnoea and cyanosis. According to the mothers, children had preserved appetite (74.2%) and no difficulty for chewing, sucking and swallowing (93.8%). Conclusion: In order to minimize malnutrition problem in these children, nurses can act decisively by adjusting diet measures depending on the adequacy of child feeding practices.