Eating Behaviors in Children in out of Home Care: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Food shortages have been described as features of child neglect and consequential problematic eating behavior in children in out of home care has been reported in some countries. Other predictors of eating difficulties such as trauma and absence of routine are also high in this cohort. Research in this area is in its infancy and etiological understanding is limited. This scoping review sought to: (1) describe the patterns of eating behavior demonstrated by children in out of home care, (2) summarize the evidence base for any mechanisms behind these patterns and (3) synthesize existing information about appropriate interventions and lines of enquiry for these. Systematic searches were conducted, resulting in 16 studies eligible for inclusion. Patterns and inconsistencies are described; children in out of home care are particularly vulnerable to aberrant eating patterns and future lines of enquiry should consider mechanisms and potential intervention.