1.Picky Eating Behaviour, Feeding Practices, Dietary Habits, Weight Status and Cognitive Function Among School Children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kai Ting Mok ; Serene En Hui Tung ; Satvinder Kaur
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.4):10-18
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.