Picky Eating Behaviour, Feeding Practices, Dietary Habits, Weight Status and Cognitive Function Among School Children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.18.4.3
- Author:
Kai Ting Mok
1
;
Serene En Hui Tung
2
;
Satvinder Kaur
1
Author Information
1. Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Picky Eating, Eating Behaviour, Feeding Practices, Cognitive Function
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.4):10-18
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Picky eating behaviour was linked to nutritional problems due to limited dietary variety. This study
aimed to determine the causes and consequences associated with picky eating behaviour among school-aged children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: A total of 339 children aged seven to nine years participated in this
cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic factors, eating behaviours and child/ parental feeding style were assessed
through parent’s questionnaires, while eating habits of children were accessed through child’s questionnaire. Body
height and weight were measured; body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Cognitive function level was determined
using the Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices test. Results: One third (38%) of the children were picky eaters
and consumed lesser vegetables (χ2
=4.49,p=0.034) and fish (χ2
=5.55,p=0.019), but more milk and dairy products
(χ2
=3.91,p=0.048), snacks (χ2
=6.25,p=0.012) and fast food (χ2
=7.35,p=0.007) compared to non-picky eaters. Picky
eaters were more likely to have normal weight status based on weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age compared to non-picky eaters (p<0.05). Picky eaters came from a household with other picky eaters in the family and
their parents tend to use an instrumental feeding style. Picky eaters had a poorer cognitive function compared to
non-picky eaters (p=0.03). Conclusion: We did not find significant differences in growth parameters between picky
and non-picky eaters but picky eaters were more likely to have a poorer cognitive function. As parental feeding styles
significantly influenced children’s eating behaviour, interventions should target parents to improve their children’s
dietary variety.
- Full text:11.2022my1291.pdf
