Prematurity and eating behaviour beyond infancy: perspectives and support needs from parents, children, and healthcare professionals

One in 10 babies worldwide are born preterm (<37 weeks of pregnancy). Preterm infants’ nutrition and feeding are well studied during postnatal hospitalisation and early infancy, but little research is available on this topic beyond infancy. Eating and feeding behaviour is currently not part of the follow-up care of preterm children, which may be problematic if eating and feeding difficulties are indeed more common among preterm born children compared to those born at term, as some studies suggest.The main aim of the PremEat project is to provide insight into different stakeholders’ experiences of eating behaviours of children born preterm beyond infancy. PremEat’s specific objectives are:(O1) to explore parents’, children’s and healthcare professionals (HCPs)’ experiences and support needs regarding preterm children’s eating behaviour, (O2) to compare the eating behaviours of preterm children aged 2 to 6 years, the feeding practices of their parents, and influencing factors, to those of a term-born population, and (O3) to develop recommendations and communication material on this matter for families and HCPs.The project will use qualitative (interviews, focus groups) and quantitative research methods (surveys) to gather data in Switzerland (2-year outgoing phase at UZH) and Ireland (1-year return phase at UCD). The project is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on expertise from the involved partners in psychology, human nutrition, health promotion, neonatology, and developmental paediatrics.The PremEat project is also co-creatively designed with local organisations representing the interests of preterm born children – the Irish Neonatal Health Alliance and Frühchen Schweiz – ensuring that this research is based on their needs and the findings and outputs meaningful for affected families. The project objectives support the Horizon Europe strategic plan (2021-2024) for research and innovation and the EU Global Health Strategy to deliver better health for all.