Frontiers in Pediatrics · 10 authors, 7 centres
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This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with mothers of 25 toddlers with Down syndrome to identify parent-perceived facilitators and barriers to health. Parents described active play preference and good sleep as child-level facilitators, while co-occurring conditions and dysregulated eating behaviors were perceived as barriers.
Twenty-five mothers of toddlers aged 12–36 months with Down syndrome participated in semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom, audio recorded and transcribed, then coded using thematic analysis guided by a socioecological framework. Data were triangulated using reflective journaling, video review of child meals, and member-checking. At the child level, a preference for active play and sleeping through the night emerged as facilitators, while co-occurring conditions and dysfunctional eating behaviors emerged as barriers. At the family and community levels, themes of role models, time, access to place, and social support were described as either facilitators or barriers depending on context. The study is limited by its convenience sample recruited through specialty clinics at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, limited demographic diversity, and potential analyst bias from clinical backgrounds. Findings suggest existing obesity prevention interventions will require modification for children with Down syndrome.
