Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to explore how parents perceive the effects of diet on bowel function in children with anorectal malformations (ARMs) and to compare these perceptions with those of parents of healthy children.

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional non-randomized study included 36 parents and was conducted in September 2024. Data were collected using a socio-demographic form and a researcher-developed survey assessing perceptions of diet and bowel function. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and binary logistic regression.

Results: Thirty-six parents were included in the study and divided into two groups: the ARM group (12 males, 5 females; mean age: 66.76 ± 52.10 months; range, 12 to 180 months) and the control group without ARM (12 males, 7 females; mean age: 63.68 ± 19.68 months; range, 35 to 96 months). There were no significant differences between groups in sociodemographic characteristics. However, parents of children with ARMs reported more emotional burden related to everyday food choices and greater influence on their child's social life. Specific foods such as grapes, apples, dried fruits, potatoes, and bread affected bowel function differently in the ARMs group.

Conclusion: Dietary management plays a central role in supporting bowel function in children with ARMs. Given the emotional burden on caregivers, holistic and individualized nutritional guidance is essential. These findings highlight how everyday dietary decisions made by parents can have meaningful emotional and social consequences, underscoring the need for decision-focused, individualized nutritional counseling.

Citation: Ardahan Akgül E, Özgüven Öztornacı B, Özyüksel G, Divarcı E. Parental perceptions of diet and bowel function in children with anorectal malformations: A case-control study. Turkish J Ped Surg 2026;40(2):65-73. doi: 10.62114/JTAPS.2026.239.