Relationship between dietary behavior and malnutrition of children aged 3-5 years in five cities of China

Abstract

To explore the status of malnutrition and dietary behavior characteristics of children aged 3-5 in Tonghua, Nanchang, Changsha, Kunming and Weinan, and to analyze the relationship between them. Data was from National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey for 0-18 Years Old Children in China. A total of 1741 children were randomly selected from five cities by multi-stage stratified cluster sampling, and their physical fitness was measured and investigated by questionnaire. Chi-square test and multivariate binomial Logistic regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between nutritional deficiency and diet and feeding behavior. Among the investigated children, the underweight rate, stunting rate and wasting rate were 0.52%, 1.09% and 1.03%, respectively. Dietary behavior restriction was the risk factor for stunting(OR=4.72, 95% CI 1.41-15.84), poor eating habits were the risk factor for wasting(OR=3.64, 95% CI 1.01-13.34). No statistical association was found between underweight and diet and feeding behavior. The incidence of malnutrition among children aged 3-5 years in five urban areas of China is low. There is a correlation between malnutrition and poor diet and feeding behavior. Measures should be taken to correct the poor eating habits of children and the feeding behavior of caregivers, so as to improve the nutritional status of children.