Socio-demographic factors and parental feeding practices predicted body mass index of Malaysian children with learning disabilities
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0081
- Author:
Siti Fathiah Mohamed
1
;
Divya Vanoh
2
;
Soo Kah Leng
1
Author Information
1. Nutrition Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
2. Dietetics Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
BMI, children, learning disabilities, parental feeding practices
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2024;30(No.1):59-72
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Overweight and obesity have emerged as significant global health
concerns among children. Previous studies have provided evidence that children with
intellectual and learning disabilities (LD) are at a higher risk of obesity compared to
their peers without disabilities. Methods: This study aimed to predict body weight
status of children with LD who attended Special Education Integration Program
in Kelantan, located on East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Parents completed a
self-administered questionnaire in Malay language, which included “Screening
Tool of Feeding Problems” children’s version (STEP-CHILD) and Comprehensive
Feeding Practice Questionnaire (CFPQ). The children’s body weight and height
were measured to determine body mass index (BMI). Research hypothesis was
tested through stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Results: This study
recruited 245 subjects with mean age of 10.5±1.7 years and mean BMI of 18.5±4.9
kg/m2. Prevalence of underweight, thinness and severe thinness was 12.2%, while
overweight and obesity was 29.0%. Male children with LD (β=0.109, p<0.044), older
age (β=0.226, p<0.001), higher child birth weight (β=0.119, p<0.029), lack of parental
modelling (β=-0.170, p=0.004), lower parental pressure (β=-0.266, p<0.001), and
higher restriction for weight control (β=0.361, p<0.001) were found to predict higher
BMI values. Conclusion: Positive parental feeding practices during mealtime are
crucial for addressing the poor nutritional status of children with LD.
- Full text:20240705104409811244.2024my0642.pdf
