Evaluation of Pediatricians' Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Abstract
Objective: Despite the inclusion of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in the DSM-5 in 2013, there is limited research assessing physicians’ awareness and knowledge of the disorder. This study aimed to evaluate pediatricians’ knowledge, awareness, clinical experience, and referral practices related to ARFID.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 216 pediatricians (specialists and residents) working in three major hospitals in Ankara, Türkiye. Data were collected using an original, literature-based questionnaire developed by the researchers.
Results: Among participants, 28.5% correctly identified the expanded form of ARFID, and 38% recognized it as a DSM-5-defined eating disorder. A total of 52.3% misclassified body image disturbance as a subtype of ARFID, suggesting a conceptual overlap with anorexia nervosa. While 34.9% reported encountering ARFID cases in their clinical practice, 29.8% had referred such patients to other healthcare professionals. The most commonly reported referral disciplines were child and adolescent psychiatry, pediatric gastroenterology, and dietetics. Only 4.3% of respondents reported feeling competent in managing ARFID, while 90.7% expressed a need for further education and training.
Conclusion: The findings highlight significant gaps in pediatricians’ knowledge and clinical management of ARFID. The development of structured guidelines, standardized diagnostic tools, and targeted training programs is warranted to improve early identification and multidisciplinary management of ARFID in pediatric settings.
Keywords
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, awareness, pediatricians
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