Problematic Child Mealtime Behavior and Caregiver Mobile Phone Use

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Wellness

Background:

• Problematic mealtime behaviors in children can impact family dynamics and child development.
• Caregiver digital habits, specifically mobile phone use, are increasingly prevalent and warrant investigation for potential behavioral associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between caregiver problematic mobile phone use and child problematic mealtime behaviors (PMBs).
• To provide insights for pediatricians counseling families on digital device usage and child behavior.

Main Methods:

• Surveys assessed caregiver mobile phone problematic use (MPPUS-10) and child PMBs (MIOH) in caregivers of children aged 3-8.
• Bivariate and partial correlation analyses were conducted, controlling for significant covariates.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between caregiver mobile phone problematic use (MPPUS-10) and child PMBs (MIOH).
• Caregiver age and sex were associated with mobile phone problematic use, while child's age was associated with PMBs.

Conclusions:

• Caregiver problematic mobile phone use is associated with child problematic mealtime behaviors.
• Understanding this link can enhance pediatricians' ability to counsel families on the implications of caregiver digital habits.