Parent-Focused Nutrition and Feeding Education on Maternal Picky Eating and Food Refusal

This study aimed to examine the relationship between nutrition education programs directed at mothers and food refusal observed in preschool children, maternal picky eating behaviors, and maternal feeding practices. The study was conducted in a public preschool institution affiliated with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education. The study sample consisted of 202 children aged 3-6 years attending the preschool where the study was carried out, and their mothers. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form, a Nutrition Habits Information Form, the Adult Picky Eating Scale, and the Child Food Refusal Scale. Participants were determined using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to either an education group (n₁ = 101) or a control group (n₂ = 101). Pre-tests were administered to both groups at the beginning of the study. Following the pre-test, the education group received training on picky eating and food refusal once a week for four weeks, consisting of four sessions lasting 30-45 minutes each. No education or information was provided to the control group. Data collection tools were administered to both groups before and after the intervention.