A cross-sectional study on nutritional status and dietary patterns of children with autism
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2019-0126
- Author:
Md. Nazrul Islam
1
;
Farzana Sultana Bari
1
;
Sampad Malakar Chayon
1
;
Farhana Yesmin
1
;
Sharmin Akter
1
;
Salma Bintey Kashem
1
Author Information
1. Department of Public Health Nutrition, Primeasia University, 12 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Autism, nutritional status, dietary practice, socioeconomic
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2020;26(No.3):401-410
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Literature revealed that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
(ASD) experience significantly more feeding problems and obesity compared to their
peers. This study was designed to investigate the nutritional status and dietary
patterns of children with autism in different age groups in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 individuals with
ASD. A questionnaire was used as a tool to collect information from the mother of
the respondents and anthropometric assessments were conducted by measuring
height and weight. The dietary patterns of the respondents were taken using a
food frequency questionnaire. Results: The age range of the participants were
between 3-18 years. It was found that 11.9%, 19.7% and 23.3% of the participants
were underweight, overweight and obese, respectively according to Body Mass
Index (BMI)-for-age. About 70% of the respondents had medium Individual Dietary
Diversity Score (IDDS). In addition, the association between IDDS and obesity
was significantly correlated (p=0.00). Individuals with ASD exhibited similar food
preferences across most age groups with little changes. Conclusion: Our study
figured out that the prevalence of overweight increased in accordance with age
among children with ASD. They have a tendency to prefer likeness and routine
in their diet, which expands the tendency to have an imbalanced diet. A dietary
guideline including seven food groups should be followed to improve their nutritional
status and dietary practices.
- Full text:4.2020my0510.pdf
