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Interview data on severe behavioural eating difficulties in young children
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Trust, London.
Insights
Early childhood eating difficulties in children under 7 may stem from feeding distress and vomiting, particularly in those born prematurely or with low birth weight. Aversive feeding experiences can form the basis of these complex eating problems.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Severe feeding and eating difficulties affect many children under 7 years.
- Understanding contributing factors is crucial for early intervention and management.
- Parental and child experiences during feeding interactions are key areas of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify child and parent factors contributing to the development of severe feeding and eating difficulties in young children.
- To explore the relationship between early life experiences and the onset of eating problems.
- To provide insights into the etiology of pediatric feeding disorders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of interview data from parents of 201 children under age 7 with severe feeding and eating difficulties.
- Retrospective review of child's medical history, focusing on birth factors and early feeding experiences.
- Qualitative exploration of parental experiences and perceptions related to the child's eating behaviors.
Main Results:
- Common findings included prematurity, low birth weight, and feeding distress in the first six months of life.
- Frequent or regular vomiting was a significant feature in the histories of affected children.
- Aversive feeding experiences were frequently reported and may serve as a foundation for eating difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Prematurity, low birth weight, and early feeding distress are associated with severe childhood eating problems.
- Aversive feeding experiences appear to play a critical role in the development of pediatric feeding disorders.
- Further research into early feeding interventions is warranted to mitigate long-term eating difficulties.
Abstract:
Interview data from parents of 201 children under age 7 years with severe feeding and eating difficulties were analysed to describe features in the child's and parents' experiences that may have contributed to the development of the eating problem. Prematurity and low birth weight, distress during feeding in the first six months of life, and regular or frequent vomiting were common findings in the histories of the children. Aversive experiences during feeding may be the basis for early childhood eating difficulties.