Maternal feeding attitudes and anxiety among mothers of children with food allergies: associations with clinical factors and e-healthy nutrition literacy.

Objectives

This study examined the relationship between e-healthy nutrition literacy, maternal feeding attitudes, and anxiety levels in mothers of children with food allergies.

Method

This descriptive and correlational study was conducted between November 2024 and May 2025 with 174 mothers of children aged 0-6 years diagnosed with food allergies in western Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Sociodemographic Information Form, the e-Healthy Nutrition Literacy Scale, the Maternal Attitudes Toward Feeding Scale, and the Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess maternal anxiety. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression analyses including allergy-related symptom categories as predictors were performed.

Results

No significant relationship was found between e-healthy nutrition literacy and maternal anxiety or feeding attitudes. However, maternal feeding attitudes were positively associated with anxiety levels (p < 0.001). Regression analyses showed that e-healthy nutrition literacy was not a significant predictor of maternal anxiety or feeding attitudes. Breastfeeding status and systemic/cardiovascular symptoms were associated with maternal anxiety, whereas breastfeeding status, number of children, income level, and systemic/cardiovascular symptoms were associated with feeding attitudes. Mean scores were 37.23 ± 6.11 for e-healthy nutrition literacy, 71.40 ± 16.86 for maternal feeding attitudes, and 46.39 ± 7.47 for trait anxiety.

Conclusion

Maternal anxiety and feeding attitudes appear to be influenced more by clinical and caregiving-related factors than by e-healthy nutrition literacy alone. These findings highlight the importance of holistic approaches addressing both clinical and psychosocial dimensions in childhood food allergy management. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Nursing interventions focusing on symptom management and maternal coping may help reduce anxiety and improve the feeding process.