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

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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