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Feeding Practices, Parent Perceptions, and Diet Diversity in a Sample of Children Aged 0-5 Years from Western Sydney,
Anjana Iyer1,2, Katherine Kent3,4, Kaitlyn Brunacci2
1School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
Insights
Many children in Western Sydney do not follow infant feeding guidelines, with over 60% introduced to solids before six months. This highlights a need for targeted parental support regarding infant nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Sub-optimal childhood feeding practices are linked to adverse adult health outcomes.
- Understanding early feeding behaviors is crucial for long-term well-being.
- This study focuses on children aged 0-5 years in Western Sydney, Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile infant feeding practices in young children (0-5 years).
- To explore parental perceptions of feeding and dietary diversity.
- To identify influences on feeding choices among parents in Western Sydney.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining semi-structured interviews and online surveys.
- Quantitative data collection via online surveys and 24-hour dietary recalls.
- Qualitative data analysis using inductive thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- 27.6% of children were exclusively breastfed to 6 months; 62.1% received solids before 6 months.
- Over 60% of children met minimum dietary diversity standards.
- Four key themes emerged: maternal feeding choices, perceptions, influences, and personal experiences.
Conclusions:
- Feeding histories indicate non-compliance with Australian and WHO infant feeding guidelines for over half the sample.
- Parental feeding choices are influenced by various factors, necessitating tailored support.
- Findings can inform the development of targeted interventions for improved infant nutrition.
Abstract:
(1) Background: Sub-optimal feeding practices and dietary intakes in childhood are associated with poor health outcomes in adulthood. This mixed methods study aims to profile feeding practices, parent perceptions, and dietary diversity in a sample of children aged 0-5 years (n = 29) from Western Sydney, Australia. (2) Methods: In 2019, semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents, exploring their child's feeding practices. An online quantitative survey was used to assess children's feeding history. Nutrient intakes and dietary diversity scores were assessed using an online 24-h dietary recall. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA, while qualitative data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. (3) Results: The analysis showed that 27.6% of children were exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age and that 62.1% of children were introduced to solids before 6 months. Over 60% of children achieved minimum dietary diversity. The thematic analysis identified four themes, including mothers' feeding choices, mothers' perceptions of their children's diet, influences on feeding choices, and mothers' personal experiences. (4) Conclusions: The feeding history of over half the children in this sample indicated non-compliance with Australian and WHO infant feeding guidelines. The thematic analysis revealed various possible influences on parent feeding choices that can be used to inform targeted support.
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