Evette Van Niekerk (South Africa)
Stellenbosch University
Department of Global Health
I am an Associate Professor in Therapeutic Nutrition in the Division of Human Nutrition, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. I have worked in the field of nutritional sciences for over 17 years. Since my appointment at Stellenbosch University in 2008 I have actively pursued my research interest in Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition, the gut microbiome, breastmilk, and body composition. I have published my research in national and international journals. I am a member of the International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation (ISRHML) (where I have served on several committees) and The Allergy Society of South Africa. I also serve as an editorial board member for Breastfeeding Medicine and reviews for national and international journals. I am active in various committees/working groups. My research findings have led to the development of a medical device for which a South African provisional patent application has been filed for this application. Funding awards have been received by the National Research Foundation, the Medical Research Council, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), University Technology Fund (UTF), Early Career Development and other.

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 Congress Calendar

N-O016 - A THERAPEUTIC DIET FOR CHILDREN WITH CLASSICAL GALACTOSAEMIA AND CAREGIVERS’ NUTRITION-RELATED KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS, PRACTICES, AND BARRIERS (ID 59)

Session Name
ABSTRACT SESSION - (BEST 8 ABSTRACTS)
Session Type
AHP Course
Date
Wed, 17.05.2023
Session Time
13:30 - 14:30
Room
Hall K2
Presenter
Lecture Time
13:30 - 13:37

Abstract

Objectives and Study

The study aimed to determine quantitatively the nutrition-related knowledge, perceptions, and practices of primary caregivers with infants/children following a therapeutic diet for classical galactosaemia in the United Kingdom (UK). The secondary objective was to determine the perceived challenges (or barriers) faced by caregivers whose infants/children follow a galactose-restricted diet in the UK.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted using a novel online questionnaire among 98 eligible members of the Galactosaemia Support Group charity. The Metabolic Support UK charity also advertised the survey link on its official social media platforms and emailed their eligible members as a supplementary recruitment strategy. Data collection took place between April and July 2022. Forty-three caregivers participated in the study, and the response rate was 44%.

Results

Almost all caregivers (98%) had a high level of dietary knowledge. Caregivers’ knowledge scores (M= 17.9, SD = 1.7) were positively correlated with educational level (r = 0.383, p = 0.013). High attitudinal scores of 31–45 points (M= 32.5, SD = 5.5) obtained by most caregivers (65%) revealed an overall positive attitude towards the galactosaemia diet. Negative perceptions of being unable to feed their child breastmilk at birth (49%) were apparent, and this perception was positively correlated with caregivers’ intentions to feed their child breastmilk (r = 0.450, p = 0.003). Concerns about the safety of their child in social settings were a barrier for 79% of caregivers, while 47% felt that their child was excluded in social settings because of the diet. Significant associations (p<0.001) between the age of the galactosaemic child and the number, as well as the type, of barriers faced by caregivers were found.

Conclusions

Healthcare interventions should focus on exploring caregivers’ perceptions and barriers related to the galactosaemia diet and provide psychological support to these families to facilitate lifelong dietary compliance.

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