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The prevalence and predictors of feeding difficulties in children at self-feeding transition stage

Meng Yan Tang1,2,3, Xiao Mei Liu1,2,3, Fan Yang1,3

  • 1Department of Child Health Care, West China Women's and Children's Hospital: Sichuan University West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu, China.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|July 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Feeding difficulties (FD) affect 31.4% of young children during the self-feeding transition. Key risk factors include constipation, parental anxiety, and specific feeding practices, while positive food preparation and attentive mealtime interactions are protective.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Child Development
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Feeding difficulties (FD) are common in young children, particularly during the transition to self-feeding (6-24 months).
  • Understanding the prevalence and predictors of FD is crucial for early intervention and support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of feeding difficulties in children aged 6-24 months transitioning to self-feeding.
  • To identify risk and protective factors associated with feeding difficulties in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 1,211 children aged 6-24 months and their parents across 5 hospitals in Chengdu, China.
  • The Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale was used to assess feeding difficulties.
  • Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of FD.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of feeding difficulties was 31.4% (380 out of 1,211 children).
  • Identified risk predictors included frequent constipation, parental anxiety, indulgent parenting, luring/forcing to eat, and allowing play during meals.
  • Protective predictors included food preparation, observing hunger/satiety cues, mealtime interaction, and providing exclusive tableware.

Conclusions:

  • There is an increasing trend in the prevalence of feeding difficulties.
  • Healthcare providers should prioritize FD assessment and educate parents on effective preventive strategies.
  • Findings highlight the importance of addressing child-related, parent-related, and feeding practice factors to mitigate FD.
Abstract

Keywords:
childrenfeeding difficultiesfeeding practicepredictorprevalence

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