Perception of picky eating among children in Singapore and its impact on caregivers: a questionnaire survey

Daniel Yt Goh, Anna Jacob, Daniel Yt Goh, Anna Jacob

Abstract

Background: Picky eating is relatively common among infants and children, often causing anxiety for parents and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to determine the key aspects of picky eating and feeding difficulties among children aged 1 to 10 years in Singapore and the impact on their parents or caregivers.

Methods: In this survey, 407 parents or grandparents who are the primary caregivers of children aged 1 to 10 years in Singapore were interviewed via telephone using a structured questionnaire of 36 questions. Respondents were randomly selected from the Singapore Residential Telephone Directory to meet a pre-set interlocked quota of race, sex, and age to represent the population. Quantitative data collected included demographics, body weight and height, respondents' perceptions of the duration of picky eating, the child's eating habits and perceived health status, respondents' attitudes towards picky eating, coping strategies and the impact on family relationships. Bonferroni z-test and t-test were used to indicate significance across groups or demographics, while Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of association between variables.

Results: One-half of the respondents reported that the child was 'all the time' (25.1%) or sometimes (24.1%) a picky eater. When aided with a list of typical behaviours, the respondent-reported prevalence of picky eating or feeding difficulties occurring 'all the time' increased to 49.6%. The highest number of respondents first noticed the child's picky eating behaviours or feeding difficulties as early as 1 year (20.0%). Children 3 to 10 years [p = 0.022], children of professional respondents (p = 0.019), and children with a family history of picky eating (p = 0.03) were significantly more likely to be picky eaters. Overall, all 'picky eating' and all 'feeding difficulty' behaviours occurring 'all the time' were significantly associated with caregiver stress when feeding (p = 0.000026 and p = 0.000055, respectively) and with a negative impact on family relationships (p = 0.011 and p = 0.00000012, respectively).

Conclusions: The perceived prevalence and duration of picky eating behaviours and feeding difficulties are high. The impact on the respondent and family relationships appears to be significant in Singapore. Parental concerns about picky eating should be adequately assessed and managed in routine clinic consultations.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Age at first presentation of picky eating (n = 370).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mean duration of picky eating by age.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Respondents’ concerns about their child’s picky eating behaviour.

References

    1. Jacobi C, Schmitz G, Agras WS. Is picky eating an eating disorder? Int J Eat Disord. 2008;41:626–634. doi: 10.1002/eat.20545.
    1. Mascola AJ, Bryson SW, Agras WS. Picky eating during childhood: a longitudinal study to age 11 years. Eat Behav. 2010;11:253–257. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2010.05.006.
    1. Wright CM, Parkinson KN, Shipton D, Drewett RF. How do toddler eating problems relate to their eating behavior, food preferences, and growth? Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1069–e1075. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-2961.
    1. World health Organization. International classification of diseases (ICD) Available from: F98.2 Accessed 2 May 2012.
    1. Jacobi C, Agras WS, Bryson S, Hammer LD. Behavioral validation, precursors, and concomitants of picky eating in childhood. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2003;42:76–84. doi: 10.1097/00004583-200301000-00013.
    1. Chatoor I, Ammaniti M. In: Age and Gender Considerations in Psychiatric Diagnosis: a Research Agenda for DSM-V. Narrow WE, First MB, Sirovatka PJ, Regier DA, editor. American Psychiatric Association, Arlington; 2007. Classifying feeding disorders of infancy and early childhood; pp. 227–242.
    1. Nicholls D, Bryant-Waugh R. Eating disorders of infancy and childhood: definition, symptomatology, epidemiology, and comorbidity. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2009;18:17–30. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2008.07.008.
    1. Kerzner B. Clinical investigation of feeding difficulties in young children: a practical approach. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2009;48:960–965. doi: 10.1177/0009922809336074.
    1. Jaballas E, Clark-Ott D, Clasen C, Stolfi A, Urban M. Parents' perceptions of their children's weight, eating habits, and physical activities at home and at school. J Pediatr Health Care. 2011;25:294–301. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2010.05.003.
    1. Carruth BR, Ziegler PJ, Gordon A, Barr SI. Prevalence of picky eaters among infants and toddlers and their caregivers' decisions about offering a new food. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104(1 Suppl 1):57–64.
    1. McDermott BM, Mamun AA, Najman JM, Williams GM, O'Callaghan MJ, Bor W. Preschool children perceived by mothers as irregular eaters: physical and psychosocial predictors from a birth cohort study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2008;29:197–205. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0b013e318163c388.
    1. Li Y, Shi A, Wan Y, Hotta M, Ushijima H. Child behavior problems: prevalence and correlates in rural minority areas of China. Pediatr Int. 2001;43:651–661. doi: 10.1046/j.1442-200X.2001.01446.x.
    1. Manikam R, Perman JA. Pediatric feeding disorders. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2000;30:34–46. doi: 10.1097/00004836-200001000-00007.
    1. Rydell AM, Dahl M, Sundelin C. Characteristics of school children who are choosy eaters. J Genet Psychol. 1995;156:217–229. doi: 10.1080/00221325.1995.9914818.
    1. Lindberg L, Ostberg M, Isacson IM, Dannaeus M. Feeding disorders related to nutrition. Acta Paediatr. 2006;95:425–429. doi: 10.1080/08035250500440410.
    1. Dubois L, Farmer AP, Girard M, Peterson K. Preschool children's eating behaviours are related to dietary adequacy and body weight. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007;61:846–855. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602586.

Source: PubMed

Patrocinadores e Colaboradores

Condições médicas

Intervenções de drogas

3
Se inscrever