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Feeding Problems in Young Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sweden
Kajsa Lamm1, Kajsa Landgren1, Runar Vilhjálmsson1,2
1From the Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden.
Insights
Feeding problems (FPs) affect approximately 9% of young children in Sweden. Older toddlers (36 months) show a higher prevalence of feeding problems, highlighting the need for early detection and intervention in child health services.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Feeding problems (FPs) are a common concern in early childhood.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing FPs and preventing long-term issues.
- Swedish Child Health Services provide regular developmental check-ups for young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of feeding problems in children aged 10, 18, and 36 months visiting Swedish Child Health Services.
- To identify potential demographic factors associated with feeding problems.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving parents of 238 children (115 girls, 123 boys) aged 10, 18, and 36 months.
- Utilized the Swedish version of the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) to assess feeding problems.
- Collected demographic data and stratified child health centers by a sociodemographic index.
Main Results:
- Approximately 8.4% (Total Frequency Score) and 9.3% (Total Problem Score) of children exhibited feeding problems based on international thresholds.
- Children aged 36 months had a significantly higher average Total Problem Score compared to younger children.
- No significant differences in feeding problem prevalence were found based on gender, parental education, or sociodemographic index.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of feeding problems in Sweden is comparable to international findings.
- Older toddlers (36 months) present a higher prevalence of feeding problems, necessitating targeted healthcare.
- Increased awareness and early detection of feeding problems and pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) in primary care are recommended for timely intervention.
Abstract:
To describe the prevalence of feeding problems (FPs) in children aged 10, 18, and 36 months who visited Swedish Child Health Services.
Methods:
Parents of children attending regular 10-, 18-, and 36-month visits at the child health care centers (CHCCs) in Sweden answered a questionnaire including a Swedish version of the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) as well as demographic questions. CHCCs were stratified according to a sociodemographic index.
Results:
Parents of 238 girls (115) and boys (123) completed the questionnaire. Using international thresholds for FP detection, 8.4% of the children had a total frequency score (TFS) indicating FP. Based on the total problem score (TPS), the result was 9.3%. The mean score for all children was 62.7 for TFS (median 60; range 41-100), and 2.2 for TPS (median 0; range 0-22). Children aged 36 months had a significantly higher average TPS score than younger children, but TFS scores did not differ by age. There were no significant difference in gender, parents' education, or sociodemographic index.
Conclusion:
Prevalence numbers found in this study are similar to those found in studies with BPFAS in other countries. Children 36 months of age had a significantly higher prevalence of FP than children aged 10 and 18 months. Young children with FP should be referred to health care specializing in FP and PFD. Creating awareness of FP and PFD in primary care facilities and child health services may facilitate early detection and intervention for children with FP.
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