Pediatric hyperlipidemia: child and adolescent disease understandings and perceptions about dietary adherence.
OBJECTIVE
Pediatric hyperlipidemia increases cardiovascular disease risk. The cornerstone of treatment is a restrictive, lipid-lowering diet. Child disease understandings and perceptions of dietary adherence were explored, a secondary aim of the Endothelial Assessment of Risk from Lipids in Youth trial.


METHODS
Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with participants, ages 9-20 years (n = 50). Data were thematically analyzed.


RESULTS
Adherence is influenced by individual characteristics (developmental level, knowledge), in the context of social interactions (family modeling, peer relationships, school).


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary practices are developed within social interactions. Interventions promoting adherence must consider children within their social contexts.
Kools
Susan
S
Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. susan.kools@nursing.ucsf.edu
Kennedy
Christine
C
Engler
Marguerite
M
Engler
Mary
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted / Q000379:methods; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000379:methods; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires