Feeding problems are a significant concern among typically developing young children, with prevalence rates ranging from 25-45% according to various studies. A recent population-based study conducted in Greece provides valuable insights into the prevalence and nature of these feeding problems. This blog aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or encouraging them to conduct further studies.
Understanding the Study
The study titled "Feeding Problems in Typically Developing Young Children, a Population-Based Study" involved 742 healthy children aged two to seven years. Parents completed the Greek version of the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) to evaluate their child's feeding behavior and their own feelings about their child's feeding patterns.
Key Findings
- Prevalence of Feeding Problems: 8.2% of the children had abnormal Total Frequency Scores (TFS), and 26.6% had abnormal Total Problem Scores (TPS).
- Common Issues: Food neophobia and low consumption of vegetables were significant concerns, with 29.8% of children refusing to try new foods and 52.9% consuming vegetables infrequently.
- Parental Concerns: 32.2% of parents were not confident that their child got enough to eat, and 27.4% were unsure about managing their child's behavior at mealtime.
Implications for Practitioners
These findings underscore the importance of early detection and intervention for feeding problems. Practitioners can benefit from incorporating validated tools like the BPFAS into their assessments. Additionally, understanding the cultural context and parental concerns can guide more effective interventions.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable data, there is a need for further research to explore the long-term impact of feeding problems and the effectiveness of various interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge through clinical observations and structured studies.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Feeding Problems in Typically Developing Young Children, a Population-Based Study.
