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Feeding problems in nursery children: prevalence and psychosocial factors

G Esparó1, J Canals, C Jané

  • 1Public Health and Preventive Medicine Unit, Medicine and Health Sciences School, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Catalonia, Spain. geh@fmcs.unrv.es

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|June 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Feeding problems affect 4.8% of preschool children. Maternal psychopathology, particularly anxiety, significantly increases this risk, highlighting the need for integrated psychological assessments in pediatric care.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Disorders

Background:

  • Feeding problems are common in early childhood.
  • Environmental and psychopathological factors may influence feeding issues.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for child development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of feeding problems in nursery children.
  • To investigate environmental and psychopathological factors associated with feeding problems.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding the assessment and management of feeding difficulties.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Early Childhood Inventory-Parents Checklist for 851 Spanish children (ages 3-6).
  • Assessed emotional and behavioral problems based on DSM-IV criteria.
  • Collected data on sociodemographics, life events, and parental psychopathology (General Health Questionnaire-28).

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of feeding problems was 4.8%, with no gender differences.
  • Feeding problems were associated with increased psychological symptoms, somatic complaints, and recent life events in children.
  • Maternal psychopathology, especially anxiety, was a significant risk factor for childhood feeding problems.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric consultations for feeding problems should consider the psychological well-being of both the child and the mother.
  • Maternal anxiety is a key factor to assess in children with feeding difficulties.
  • Psychological assessment is recommended regardless of gender or socioeconomic status in cases of feeding problems.
Abstract

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