Parents' habits of using food supplements for their children: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic process use of nutritional supplements in children during COVID-19

Year 2025, Volume: 29 Issue: 1, 335 - 345

Derya Doğanay , Müzeyyen Aydin Nurcihan Aslan , Yusuf Çelik

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the habits of parents with primary school children
to use nutritional support for their children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the mental and
psychosomatic effects of COVID-19 with a holistic approach. In the study, the "Information Form", which includes the
demographic characteristics of the individuals and the use of nutritional support before and during the COVID-19
pandemic, and the "Scale for Evaluating the Mental and Psychosomatic Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Parents”,
were applied using face-to-face interview technique. The study was carried out with the participation of a total of 280
individuals, 207 women, and 73 men. At the end of the study, it was observed that the use of nutritional support by
parents for their children increased during the pandemic. It has been determined that the most preferred dietary
supplements during the pandemic process are vitamin D, fish oil, and vitamin C. It has been determined that parents
used the nutritional supplements most by obtaining them from the pharmacy on the recommendation of the doctor
before and during the pandemic. In the study, it was determined that parents were concerned about the transmission of
the virus to themselves and their children, resulting in death, and experienced psychological stress. Taking into account
the psychological effects of the COVID-19 epidemic, it can be said that the habits of using nutritional support for their
children are affected by psychological stress. Reducing the mental effects of COVID-19 is believed to be important for
parents to choose the right nutritional supplements for their children.

Keywords

COVID-19, children, child development, the mental impact of COVID-19, food supplement, vitamins

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