Beverage consumption and nutritional status of children aged 2-6, and their mothers' attitude toward healthy nutrition.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this research was to examine the beverage consumption and nutritional status of children aged 2-6 y, as well as the attitudes of their mothers toward healthy nutrition.

Methods: The study was conducted using a descriptive and cross-sectional method. It was carried out in 15 Family Health Centers, randomly selected from a total of 153 centers located in the central districts of Şahinbey and Şehitkamil in Gaziantep, between May 2023 and January 2024. The sample size was determined using a power analysis program, which indicated that at least 400 mothers were needed. However, to account for potential data loss, 507 mothers who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate were included in the study. Data were collected using the Mother and Child Identification Form, the Children's Beverage Consumption Form, and the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN).

Results: The findings showed that 96.3% of the children had weight-for-age Z-scores, 99% had height-for-age Z-scores, and 95.4% had BMI for-age Z-scores within the normal range (between -2 and +2). Among beverages consumed within a 24-h period, milk was the most frequently consumed after water. The mean total score on the ASHN was 70.64 ± 0.28, indicating that mothers had a high level of positive attitudes toward healthy nutrition.

Conclusions: Nursing interventions play a key role in helping children develop healthy eating habits and in preventing nutrition-related health problems in the future.