Online Information Available to Caregivers on Introducing Solid Foods to Infants with Cleft Palate: A DISCERN-Based Cross-Sectional Analysis
Evy I. Loomis-Goltl, Lian Arzbecker, Jessica L. Chee-Williams, Katelyn J. KotlarekObjective
To evaluate the availability, content, and quality of written online information regarding the introduction of solid food to infants with cleft palate.
Design
Cross-sectional analysis of publicly accessible internet sources.
Setting
Google search engine using standardized search terms.
Main Outcome Measures
Content characteristics including recommended age of solid food introduction, feeding strategies, and clinical guidance. Quality was assessed using the DISCERN instrument.
Results
Of 56 unique sources identified, 30 met inclusion criteria. Hospital/health system resources were the most common source type (40.0%), and four sources (13.3%) cited peer-reviewed literature. Recommendations for timing of solid food introduction varied, although most sources recommended introduction at approximately 6 months (60.0%). Most sources guided nasal regurgitation (83.3%), food textures and progression (83.3%), and feeding strategies or adaptations (56.7%). The mean DISCERN score was 58.5 (SD = 23.7; median = 71; range = 16–80), with substantial variability in quality across sources.
Conclusions
Online information regarding solid food introduction for infants with cleft palate is variable and often lacks evidence-based guidance. Improved dissemination of standardized recommendations is needed to support caregivers and optimize feeding outcomes in this population.