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Investigation of the relationship between feeding problems and cognitive functions in premature children

Rukiye Begüm Koca1, Meral Huri2

  • 1Occupational Therapy Department, Ankara Medipol University, Ankara, Turkey.

Appetite
|July 5, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Premature children often experience feeding problems and weaker cognitive functions compared to full-term peers. These feeding issues may be linked to cognitive deficits, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Occupational Therapy

Background:

  • Feeding problems are common in children born prematurely and can persist into school age.
  • The relationship between cognitive functions and feeding difficulties in this population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare feeding problems and cognitive functions in premature versus full-term children.
  • To examine the correlation between feeding issues and cognitive abilities in premature children.

Main Methods:

  • Parents of 60 children (aged 6-10) completed the Screening Tool of Feeding Problems.
  • Children's cognitive functions were assessed using the Dynamic Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment.
  • Statistical analyses compared groups and examined correlations.

Main Results:

  • Premature children exhibited significantly higher rates of feeding problems (p < 0.001).
  • Premature children demonstrated statistically weaker cognitive functions compared to full-term children (p < 0.001).
  • A significant correlation was found between feeding problems and cognitive functions in premature children (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Feeding difficulties in premature children may be associated with their cognitive function deficits.
  • Evaluating and integrating cognitive function assessments into rehabilitation is crucial for addressing feeding problems in premature children.

Keywords:
Cognitive functionEating behaviorFeeding behaviorOccupational therapyPreterm birth

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