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Edwards KL, Pickard A, Farrow C, Haycraft E, Herle M, Llewellyn C, Croker H, Blissett J. Differences in parental behaviour, emotions, and cognitions and between children's eating profiles. Appetite 2024; 202:107641. [PMID: 39173839 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
A variety of parent psychological characteristics (e.g., wellbeing) have been related to children's eating behaviour. However, parent-child feeding interactions are reciprocal and complex, including relationships between parental cognitions, emotions, as well as the influence of children's varying appetitive traits. Using a person-centred approach, children's appetitive traits can be clustered into meaningful eating profiles. To date, no research has examined whether parental behaviours, emotions, and cognitions differ depending on a child's eating profile. Hence, this study recruited parents/primary caregivers from the APPETItE project, whose child had previously been identified as having an avoidant, typical, happy, or avid eating profile. Parents/primary caregivers of children (3-6 years; N = 632) completed online questionnaires examining broader parenting behaviour (parenting styles), parental emotions (stress, wellbeing), and parental cognitions (goals, self-efficacy, time and energy for meal planning and preparation, and perceptions about children's body size). Findings showed significant differences in parent responses to the questionnaires based on children's eating profiles. Parents of children with a happy eating profile reported better psychological wellbeing and greater parenting time and energy for meal planning and preparation, as well as being less likely to report goals of avoiding mealtime stress and conflict. In contrast, parents of children with an avoidant eating profile reported poorer psychological wellbeing. Children with an avid eating profile were perceived by parents as having a higher body weight, whereas children with an avoidant eating profile were perceived as having a lower body weight. Overall, these findings demonstrate that differences in parental characteristics and perceptions exist between children's eating profiles and thus should be considered in the development of tailored interventions to support children's healthy eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L Edwards
- School of Psychology and Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Abigail Pickard
- School of Psychology and Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claire Farrow
- School of Psychology and Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emma Haycraft
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, UK
| | - Moritz Herle
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Clare Llewellyn
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Croker
- World Cancer Research Fund International, London, UK
| | - Jacqueline Blissett
- School of Psychology and Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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2
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Pohan RA, Hidayah N, Ramli M, Atmoko A, Akbar S. Enhancing childhood obesity prevention through Milan systemic family therapy. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024:fdae118. [PMID: 38909169 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rizky Andana Pohan
- Department of Islamic Guidance and Counseling, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Langsa, Kota Langsa 24416, Aceh, Indonesia
- Department of Guidance and Counseling, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, East Java 64145, Indonesia
| | - Nur Hidayah
- Department of Guidance and Counseling, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, East Java 64145, Indonesia
| | - M Ramli
- Department of Guidance and Counseling, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, East Java 64145, Indonesia
| | - Adi Atmoko
- Department of Guidance and Counseling, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, East Java 64145, Indonesia
| | - Sa'dun Akbar
- Department of Guidance and Counseling, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, East Java 64145, Indonesia
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3
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Thorsteinsdottir S, Bjarnason R, Eliasdottir HG, Olafsdottir AS. Body Composition in Fussy-Eating Children, with and without Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Their Parents, Following a Taste Education Intervention. Nutrients 2023; 15:2788. [PMID: 37375692 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fussy eaters may have an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese as adolescents, with fussy eating and weight status also correlating with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Further, maternal and children's weight status relationships are well-established. In this study, we analyzed the body composition of parent-child dyads using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Fifty-one children aged 8-12 years, with an ND (n = 18) and without (n = 33), and their parents, participated in a 7-week food-based Taste Education intervention with 6-month follow-up. The paired t-test was used to compare differences in body composition based on children's ND status. In logistic regression analysis, odds of children being in the overweight/obese or overfat/obese categories increased by a factor of 9.1 and 10.6, respectively, when having NDs, adjusting for parents' BMI (body mass index) or fat percentage (FAT%). Children with NDs and their parents had significantly higher mean BMI-SDS (BMI standard deviation score) and FAT% at pre-intervention than children without NDs and their parents. Mean BMI-SDS and FAT% lowered significantly between time points for children with NDs and their parents but not for children without NDs or their parents. The findings underline the need for additional exploration into the relationships between children's and parents' body composition based on children's ND status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Thorsteinsdottir
- Faculty of Health Promotion, Sport and Leisure Studies, School of Education, University of Iceland, Stakkahlid, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ragnar Bjarnason
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Laeknagardur 4th Floor, Vatnsmyrarvegur 16, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Pediatrics, National University Hospital, Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Helga G Eliasdottir
- Faculty of Health Promotion, Sport and Leisure Studies, School of Education, University of Iceland, Stakkahlid, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Anna S Olafsdottir
- Faculty of Health Promotion, Sport and Leisure Studies, School of Education, University of Iceland, Stakkahlid, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
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Jones BL, Orton AL, Tindall SW, Christensen JT, Enosakhare O, Russell KA, Robins AM, Larriviere-McCarl A, Sandres J, Cox B, Thomas C, Reynolds C. Barriers to Healthy Family Dinners and Preventing Child Obesity: Focus Group Discussions with Parents of 5-to-8-Year-Old Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:952. [PMID: 37371184 DOI: 10.3390/children10060952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although numerous physical and mental health benefits for children have been linked to family dinners, many families still do not have regular family meals together. This study sought to identify the barriers that keep families from having dinners together. METHODS We interviewed 42 parents of 5-to-8-year-old children in small focus groups to identify barriers and challenges that keep families from having healthy and consistent dinners together. RESULTS Parents reported the main barriers were time (e.g., time strain and overscheduling, mismatched schedules, long work hours, etc.), lack of meal planning or failure to follow plans, lack of skills (e.g., cooking skills or nutritional awareness), external factors (e.g., daycare, schools, or extended family, and competing with advertising), and food-related challenges (e.g., picky eating, food allergies). Parents also suggested potential solutions to overcome these barriers. CONCLUSIONS Overall, parents had a desire to have family dinners with their children, but they felt that there are many barriers keeping them from establishing or maintaining consistent family mealtimes. Future research, as well as child obesity prevention and intervention efforts, should consider these barriers and suggested solutions in efforts to promote healthy and consistent family meals as a means of lowering the prevalence of childhood obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake L Jones
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Adam L Orton
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Spencer W Tindall
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | | | - Keeley A Russell
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Robins
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Joseph Sandres
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Braden Cox
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Connor Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Christina Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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Chilman LB, Meredith PJ, Kennedy-Behr A, Campbell G, Frakking T, Swanepoel L, Verdonck M. Picky eating in children: Current clinical trends, practices, and observations within the Australian health-care context. Aust Occup Ther J 2023. [PMID: 37127548 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Childhood picky eating occurs when there is limited intake or variety of food and/or unwillingness to try new foods. Within research settings, standardised assessments are used to describe picky eating behaviours in children. However, little is known about assessment practices of occupational therapists. Similarly, occupational therapy interventions for picky eating in the literature focus on; providing strategies for parents, and working with the child on self-feeding skills. Despite this, interventions and strategies utilised by occupational therapists in clinical practice within an Australian health-care context are unknown. This study examines Australian health professionals' observations of picky eating behaviours, the use of childhood picky eating assessments and interventions, and differences between occupational therapists and other professionals. METHODS Health professionals (n = 179) were recruited through professional organisations, such as Occupational Therapy Australia. Participants completed an online survey between March and May 2021. Independent variables were reported using descriptive statistics, with logistic regression used to consider differences between occupational therapists and other health professionals. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse responses to open-ended questions. RESULTS The final sample included 109 eligible participants, with an average of 8.5 years working with picky eaters. Results indicated picky eating behaviours aligned with those reported in the literature. Participants relied on clinical observations and workplace designed assessments. The most common interventions were education, coaching, and the sequential oral sensory approach to feeding. Occupational therapy participants were significantly more likely than other health professional participants to report always using coaching and education. CONCLUSION Although few health professionals used standardised or validated assessments, the use of education and coaching by occupational therapists aligned with the literature. Results highlight the need for more rigorous investigation to determine the sensitivity of current assessments to differentiate between clinical and typical picky eating, and the effectiveness of interventions for childhood picky eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laine B Chilman
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pamela J Meredith
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ann Kennedy-Behr
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- School of Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Campbell
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thuy Frakking
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- Research Development Unit, Caboolture Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Caboolture, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Speech Pathology Department, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Libby Swanepoel
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research, School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michèle Verdonck
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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White HJ, Meyer C, Palfreyman Z, Haycraft E. Family mealtime emotions and food parenting practices among mothers of young children: Development of the Mealtime Emotions Measure for Parents (MEM‐P). MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2022; 18:e13346. [PMID: 35294102 PMCID: PMC9218312 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Family mealtimes can be important for supporting children's healthy development, yet the emotional context of mealtimes can vary considerably, likely impacting their overall success and enjoyment. Yet, despite having an important role, little is known about how parents emotionally experience mealtimes with their family. The first aim of the current study was to assess the factor structure of a novel self‐report measure to assess parents’ emotional responses experienced during family mealtimes (Mealtime Emotions Measure for Parents; MEM‐P). The second aim was to examine relationships between maternal mealtime emotions and their food parenting practices. Mothers of children aged between 1.5 and 6 years participated in this study. Mothers were invited to complete an online questionnaire measuring family mealtime emotions, anxiety, depression and food parenting practices. Exploratory factor analysis produced a three‐factor solution comprising both positive and negative emotion subscales: MEM‐P Efficacy; MEM‐P Anxiety; MEM‐P Stress and Anger. Mothers' positive mealtime emotions (mealtime efficacy) were related to greater use of practices promoting autonomy, providing a healthy home food environment, and modelling healthy eating. Higher anxiety about mealtimes was related to greater reports of child control over eating, and mealtime stress and anger was associated with greater use of food to regulate emotions. These findings highlight novel relationships between how mothers emotionally experience family mealtimes and the food parenting practices they use with their children. It is important to develop resources to help promote positive maternal experiences of family mealtimes and food‐based interactions. Mothers of young children experience a range of positive and negative emotions around family mealtimes. Mothers' mealtime emotions are related to the food parenting practices they report using with their children. Mothers with more positive emotional experiences of family mealtimes (i.e., greater mealtime efficacy) also reported higher use of food parenting practices which promote autonomy in children (e.g., involvement, balance and variety, teaching about nutrition) and which provide feeding structure (e.g., healthy food environment; modelling healthy eating). Some parents may benefit from further support to help them promote more positive mealtime experiences and food‐based interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. White
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Loughborough University Loughborough UK
| | - Caroline Meyer
- WMG and Warwick Medical School University of Warwick Coventry UK
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust Coventry UK
| | - Zoe Palfreyman
- Division of Psychology De Montfort University Leicester UK
| | - Emma Haycraft
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Loughborough University Loughborough UK
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7
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‘Fussy eating’ and feeding dynamics: School children's perceptions, experiences, and strategies. Appetite 2022; 173:106000. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Campbell N, Verdonck M, Swanepoel L, Chilman L. The Lived Experiences of Fathers in Mealtimes: A Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19021008. [PMID: 35055825 PMCID: PMC8775529 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19021008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The paternal experience of family mealtimes is an emerging field within qualitative literature. Previous quantitative studies suggest that differences exist between fathers’ and mothers’ mealtime behaviours, particularly in response to fussy eating. However, qualitative research has not yet focused exclusively on fathers’ fussy eating experiences. This metasynthesis aimed to provide insights into the general paternal experience, inclusive of their fussy eating responses. Thematic synthesis methodology was adopted to achieve this process and consisted of a systematic search resulting in the inclusion of 16 studies (18 papers). The direct quotations presented within each study were subjected to three stages of analysis to produce three analytical themes, supported by eight descriptive themes. The analytical themes presented were: (1) environmental influences on fathers’ mealtime experiences; (2) attitudes and emotions of fathers during mealtimes; and (3) observable behaviours of fathers during mealtimes. These themes highlighted the complexity of the mealtime experience from a paternal perspective. Multidirectional relationships were identified between each mealtime component (i.e., the environment, attitudes, emotions and behaviours) as evidenced by the paternal commentary presented. The findings also provided insights into fathers’ fussy eating experiences, recognising that fathers should be considered as individuals in the presence of mealtime intervention.
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Chilman L, Kennedy-Behr A, Frakking T, Swanepoel L, Verdonck M. Picky Eating in Children: A Scoping Review to Examine Its Intrinsic and Extrinsic Features and How They Relate to Identification. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9067. [PMID: 34501656 PMCID: PMC8431657 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The health benefits and importance of family mealtimes have been extensively documented. Picky eating can impact this complex activity and has numerous extrinsic (or external) and intrinsic (or internal) features. Occupational therapists work with children and their families by looking at both intrinsic and extrinsic influences and are therefore well-placed to work within this context. This scoping review comprises a comprehensive search of key health industry databases using pre-determined search terms. A robust screening process took place using the authors pre-agreed inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 80 studies that met the inclusion criteria, which were then mapped using content analysis. The most common assessments used to identify picky eating relied on parental reports and recall. Often additional assessments were included in studies to identify both the intrinsic and extrinsic features and presentation. The most common reported intrinsic features of the child who is a picky eater included increased sensitivity particularly to taste and smell and the child's personality. Extrinsic features which appear to increase the likelihood of picky eating are authoritarian parenting, rewards for eating, and pressuring the child to eat. Most commonly reported extrinsic features that decrease the likelihood of picky eating are family meals, responsive parents, and involving the child in the preparation of food. In conclusion, there is a lack of published papers addressing the role of occupational therapists in the assessment and identification of picky eating in children. There appears to be a complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic features which impact caregiver responses and therefore on the picky eater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laine Chilman
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 Maroochydore, Maroochydore DC, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4558, Australia ; (A.K.-B.); (L.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Ann Kennedy-Behr
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 Maroochydore, Maroochydore DC, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4558, Australia ; (A.K.-B.); (L.S.); (M.V.)
- School of Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Thuy Frakking
- Research Development Unit, Caboolture Hospital, Metro North Hospital & Health Service, Herston, QLD 4510, Australia;
- Centre for Clinical Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Libby Swanepoel
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 Maroochydore, Maroochydore DC, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4558, Australia ; (A.K.-B.); (L.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Michele Verdonck
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 Maroochydore, Maroochydore DC, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4558, Australia ; (A.K.-B.); (L.S.); (M.V.)
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Sdravou K, Emmanouilidou-Fotoulaki E, Printza A, Andreoulakis E, Evangeliou A, Fotoulaki M. Mealtime Environment and Control of Food Intake in Healthy Children and in Children with Gastrointestinal Diseases. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8020077. [PMID: 33498758 PMCID: PMC7912501 DOI: 10.3390/children8020077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Parental feeding practices and mealtime routine significantly influence a child’s eating behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the mealtime environment in healthy children and children with gastrointestinal diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional case–control study among 787 healthy, typically developing children and 141 children with gastrointestinal diseases, aged two to seven years. Parents were asked to provide data on demographics and describe their mealtime environment by answering to 24 closed-ended questions. It was found that the majority of the children had the same number of meals every day and at the same hour. Parents of both groups exerted considerable control on the child’s food intake by deciding both when and what their child eats. Almost one third of the parents also decided how much their child eats. The two groups differed significantly in nine of the 24 questions. The study showed that both groups provided structured and consistent mealtime environments. However, a significant proportion of children did not control how much they eat which might impede their ability to self-regulate eating. The presence of a gastrointestinal disease was found to be associated with reduced child autonomy, hampered hunger cues and frequent use of distractions during meals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Sdravou
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General “Papageorgiou” Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.E.-F.); (A.E.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elpida Emmanouilidou-Fotoulaki
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General “Papageorgiou” Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.E.-F.); (A.E.); (M.F.)
| | - Athanasia Printza
- 1st E.N.T. Department, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Elias Andreoulakis
- Hellenic Centre for Mental Health and Research, Adult Psychiatric Unit, Department of Thessaloniki, 55337 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Evangeliou
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General “Papageorgiou” Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.E.-F.); (A.E.); (M.F.)
| | - Maria Fotoulaki
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General “Papageorgiou” Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.E.-F.); (A.E.); (M.F.)
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Parental management of feeding problems in young children-a population-based study. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020; 136:110162. [PMID: 32580109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the practices that parents use to manage feeding problems in healthy children and in children with gastrointestinal diseases. Secondly, for each of these two groups we examined the association of select child and parent variables with parental feeding practices. METHODS This is a cross-sectional case-control study. The sample consisted of 901 children (765 healthy children of typical development and 136 children with gastrointestinal diseases), aged one to seven years. The feeding problem management practices were investigated through 23 closed-ended questions. The anthropometric and demographic data of children and the demographic data of parents were collected by administering structured set of questions to parents. RESULTS The prevalence of parent-reported feeding problems was 30.6% for healthy children and 45.7% for children with gastrointestinal diseases. The most common practices adopted by parents of healthy children were highlighting the benefits of food (80.5%), correlating food with pleasure (71.6%) and praising (59.1%), whereas almost half of the parents were found not to accept that their children may not be hungry and insisted on trying to feed them. Statistically significant differences were noted in many parental practices between the two groups. Parents of children with gastrointestinal diseases were generally more involved in the feeding process. Verbal praising (69.1%), correlation with pleasure (79.4%), promotion of benefits (77.2%) as well as assistance during feeding (63.2%) were the most common parental practices in the gastrointestinal group. Age, birth order, being the only child and weight status were child variables that differentiated parental behavior. Parental characteristics that affected feeding practises were age, education and work status. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of feeding problems was reported by parents of both healthy children and children with gastrointestinal diseases. Beside the presence of a disease, specific child and parent variables are significantly related to parental behavior when managing feeding problems.
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