Small-for-gestational-age and eating problems in infants aged 2.5 years: a nationwide population-based study in Japan

To examine the association between small-for-gestational-age (SGA) status and eating behaviors in infants.

Data from a large nationwide population-based longitudinal survey in Japan that began in 2010 was analyzed. The study participants were preterm and term children aged 2.5 years with information on eating behaviors (n = 32,096). SGA was defined as birth weight below the 10th percentile for GA, based on the Japanese reference value for birth size. Poisson regression was used to estimate the risk ratios (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between SGA status and each eating problems at 2.5 years of age, adjusting for potential infant- and parent-related confounding factors.

SGA children were more likely to have a small appetite (aRR: 2.08, 95 % CI: 1.86-2.32) and fluctuating appetite (aRR: 1.09, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.14), and were more likely to be unable to eat calmly (aRR 1.10, 95 % CI:1.05-1.15) than non-SGA children after controlling for potential confounding variables.

SGA was a risk factor for appetite and behavioral problems during eating. For SGA children who are prone to difficulties with eating behavior, a multifaceted approach should be taken to help them improve.