"What I Do Not Eat": Feeding Difficulties in Middle Childhood-An Italian Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Child Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood feeding difficulties can persist, impacting long-term health and family well-being.
• Early identification of feeding issues is crucial for preventing atypical eating behaviors and nutritional problems.
• Limited data exists on the prevalence and factors associated with childhood feeding difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot characterize eating behaviors in Italian children aged 5-11 years.
• To identify factors that protect against or contribute to feeding difficulties.
• To assess the relationship between feeding difficulties, anthropometric indices, and blood pressure.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year cross-sectional pilot study involving child-parent dyads.
• Data collection included anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and an online parental questionnaire.
• A feeding difficulty score (0-10) was generated, categorizing risk as low (0-1), intermediate (2-6), and high (7-10).

Main Results:

• 19.8% of children were categorized as high risk for atypical eating behaviors.
• Children with two omnivorous parents had significantly lower odds of feeding difficulties (OR 0.46).
• Breastfeeding duration (≥9 months) and baby-led weaning showed borderline protective associations.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of Italian children aged 5-11 years are at moderate to severe risk for atypical eating behaviors.
• Parental eating habits are a key factor in shaping children's eating behaviors during middle childhood.
• Pediatricians are vital in guiding families, and further research is needed for targeted prevention strategies.