Effect of a Health Education Package Regarding Feingold Diet on Knowledge and Attitude among Caregivers of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Gad Alla Ali Abd Alla, Heba; Moustafa Elbosaty, Lamiaa; Ahmed Abd Elftah Loulah, Samia; Gamal Awad Hamed, Samia; Ahmed Abdallah, Asmaa

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2023.466387

Effect of a Health Education Package Regarding Feingold Diet on Knowledge and Attitude among Caregivers of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer, Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

² Fellow of Community Health Nursing, Emergency Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt

³ Fellow of Community Health Nursing, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt

⁴ Lecturer, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

10.21608/ejhc.2023.466387

Abstract

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder among children and represents a significant public health concern. Recent evidence underscored the potential effect of elimination diets, such as the Feingold diet. Family caregivers often have limited knowledge and misconceptions regarding such dietary interventions. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing a health education package about a Feingold diet on knowledge and attitudes among caregivers of children with ADHD. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test/post-test study design was used, involving 53 caregivers of ADHD children in Mansoura city. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics of caregivers, and their knowledge and attitude regarding the Feingold diet. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between pre- and post-test scores of caregivers` knowledge regarding the Feingold diet (p < 0.001), with an improvement in their total score level from an unsatisfactory level among 60.4% of them in pretest to a satisfactory level among 94.4% in posttest, with a high effect size. A significant difference was detected between caregivers' attitudes pre- and post-test (p < 0.001). More than half of them (56.6%) had a neutral attitude level in pretest, compared to a very positive level among 60.4% of them in posttest. Conclusion & Recommendations: The health educational package improved caregivers` knowledge and attitude regarding the Feingold diet, with a significant positive correlation. It is recommended to conduct an ongoing dietary educational program for caregivers to enhance their awareness, which will be reflected in their decisions regarding the Feingold diet practices.

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