Children's Dietary Intake Research Articles

Umami detection threshold among children of different ethnicities and its correlation with various indices of obesity and blood pressure

Sensitivity to savory taste has been linked to high consumption of savory foods and increased risks of obesity and hypertension. However, there are limited studies that investigate whether obesity indices are correlated with the differences in umami taste perception, particularly in children. This study aimed to investigate the umami detection threshold among children of different ethnicities and the threshold's correlation with obesity indices and blood pressure. A total of 140 subjects were recruited and consisted of a nearly equal distribution of children from three main ethnicities (37.2% Malays, 31.4% Chinese, 31.4% Indians). Umami detection threshold was measured using the two-alternative, forced-choice staircase procedure. Body weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure of children were measured. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Mean umami detection threshold was 1.22 ± 1.04 mM and there were no observable differences attributable to the subjects' ethnicities. Body fat percentage was negatively correlated (r = −0.171, p < 0.05), while lean body mass percentage was positively correlated (r = 0.171, p < 0.05) with umami detection threshold. These findings revealed that umami taste perception correlated with children's body composition, but not other anthropometric indicators and blood pressure. Future studies should explore the correlation between umami taste perception and children's total dietary intake.

Transforming Obesity Prevention for CHILDren (TOPCHILD) Collaboration: protocol for a systematic review with individual participant data meta-analysis of behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity

IntroductionBehavioural interventions in early life appear to show some effect in reducing childhood overweight and obesity. However, uncertainty remains regarding their overall effectiveness, and whether effectiveness differs among key subgroups....

Development and validation of a food frequency questionnaire for children aged 7 to 10 years

ABSTRACT Objective Food and nutritional evaluation of children can support public policies to combat early overweight and obesity. This study developed and validated a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for assessing the dietary intake of children. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of the development of a food frequency questionnaire for 130 children of both genders aged 7 to 10 years old. For the food frequency questionnaire list, 81 food items were selected. The validity of the food frequency questionnaire was evaluated by comparison with 24-hour recalls and reproducibility was performed by comparing two food frequency questionnaires. Results Most of the foods with 95% relative contribution were ultra-processed, such as packaged snacks and powdered juice. In validation, correlation coefficients were found between 0.45 (p&lt;0.000) for lipids and 0.37 (p&lt;0.000) for carbohydrates. An adjustment for energy reduced the correlations, but there was an increase in the correlation in calcium (r=0.75) and retinol (r=0.20). In terms of reproducibility, all macronutrients and calcium showed a satisfactory intraclass correlation coefficient (&gt;0.400) and moderate correlations [proteins (0.54; p&lt;0.000) and lipids (0.41; p&lt;0.000)]. Conclusion The food frequency questionnaire developed was valid and able to assess the local food consumption by children from northeastern Brazil.

How time in the US and race/ethnicity shape food parenting practices and child diet quality

Childhood obesity prevalence is high among children from immigrant/refugee households who live in high-income countries. Poor child dietary intake is a critical risk factor for elevated obesity prevalence and food parenting practices have been found to be associated with child dietary intake and eating behaviors. The main aim of this study was to examine the associations between migrants'/refugees' food parenting practices, the length of residence time in the US, race/ethnicity, and child diet quality. The current study included 577 families from three racial/ethnic groups that include mostly foreign-born parents (Latino, Hmong, and Somali/Ethiopian), and a comparison group of 239 non-Hispanic White families. Results showed that for Latino and Hmong parents, some food parenting practices varied by how long they had lived in the US. For example, more recently moved parents engaged in more non-directive (e.g., avoid buying sweets) practices compared with US-born parents. In contrast, Somali/Ethiopian parents engaged in different food parenting practices than White parents, regardless of time in the US. Results also showed that diet quality among Hmong children was lower if their parents were US-born compared to foreign-born. Future researchers may want to consider studying why some food parenting practices change when parents move to the US and explore whether there is a combination of food parenting practices that are most useful in promoting a healthful child's diet and weight among immigrant and refugee families.

Caregiver Perceptions of Child Diet Quality: What Influenced Their Judgment.

This study aimed at assessing the correctness of a caregiver’s perception of their child’s diet status and to determine the factors which may influence their judgment. 815 child-caregiver pairs were recruited from two primary schools. 3-day 24-h recall was used to evaluate children’s dietary intake, Chinese Children Dietary Index (CCDI) was used to evaluate the dietary quality. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the factors that could influence the correctness of caregiver’s perception. In the current study, 371 (62.1%) children with “high diet quality” and 35 (16.1%) children with “poor diet quality” were correctly perceived by their caregivers. Children who were correctly perceived as having “poor diet quality” consumed less fruits and more snacks and beverages than those who were not correctly perceived (p < 0.05). Obese children were more likely to be correctly identified as having “poor diet quality” (OR = 3.532, p = 0.040), and less likely to be perceived as having “high diet quality”, even when they had a balanced diet (OR = 0.318, p = 0.020). Caregivers with a high level of education were more likely to correctly perceive children’s diet quality (OR = 3.532, p = 0.042). Caregivers in this study were shown to lack the ability to correctly identify their children’s diet quality, especially amongst children with a “poor diet quality”. Obesity, significantly low consumption of fruits or high consumption of snacks can raise caregivers’ awareness of “poor diet quality”.

Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and Dietary Intake in Children: Associations With Race and Ethnicity

Establishing healthy dietary intake in pediatric populations is important for prevention of chronic disease across the lifespan. Federal nutrition assistance programs can support the dietary intake of U.S. children. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participation status and dietary intake within racial and ethnic groups. Dietary intake of children aged 2-4 years in the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2016 was analyzed in 2021. Multivariable linear regression was used to compare stratum-specific mean estimates for nutrient and food group intake of children participating in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (reference group) with those of nonparticipants who were income eligible and income ineligible (i.e., above income limits) for the WIC program. Significance was set to Bonferroni-corrected p-values. Hispanic WIC participants consumed less added sugar (8.9 [SE=0.5] teaspoons) than their higher-income counterparts (14.6 [SE=1.5] teaspoons, p<0.001). Hispanic WIC participants also consumed more fiber (13.0 [SE=0.6] grams) than income-eligible (11.4 [SE=0.7] grams, p=0.032) and income-ineligible (i.e., higher-income, 9.4 [SE=1.3] grams, p=0.019) nonparticipants, but this was not significant at the Bonferroni-adjusted p-value of 0.01. No differences in dietary intake were observed by WIC participation status for non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black children. Participation in WIC was associated with healthier dietary outcomes among Hispanic children; however, dietary intake of White and Black children was comparable by WIC participation status. Federal nutrition assistance programs should support sound nutrition, an important factor in reducing the risk of chronic disease, in all groups.

Feasibility of a Web-Based Implementation Intervention to Improve Child Dietary Intake in Early Childhood Education and Care: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundInternationally, the implementation of evidence-based healthy eating policies and practices within early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings that encourage children’s healthy diet is recommended. Despite the existence of evidence-based healthy eating practices, research indicates that current implementation rates are inadequate. Web-based approaches provide a potentially effective and less costly approach to support ECEC staff with implementing nutrition policies and practices.ObjectiveThe broad aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to assess the feasibility of assessing the impact of a web-based program together with health promotion officer (HPO) support on ECEC center implementation of healthy eating policies and practices. Specifically, we seek to describe the completion rate of study evaluation processes (participant consent and data collection rates); examine ECEC center uptake, acceptability, and appropriateness of the intervention and implementation strategies; understand the potential cost of delivering and receiving implementation support strategies; and describe the potential impact of the web-based intervention on the implementation of targeted healthy eating practices among centers in the intervention group.MethodsA 6-month pilot implementation trial using a cluster-randomized controlled trial design was conducted in 22 ECEC centers within the Hunter New England region of New South Wales, Australia. Potentially eligible centers were distributed a recruitment package and telephoned by the research team to assess eligibility and obtain consent. Centers randomly allocated to the intervention group received access to a web-based program, together with HPO support (eg, educational outreach visit and local technical assistance) to implement 5 healthy eating practices. The web-based program incorporated audit with feedback, development of formal implementation blueprints, and educational materials to facilitate improvement in implementation. The centers allocated to the control group received the usual care.ResultsOf the 57 centers approached for the study, 22 (47%) provided consent to participate. Data collection components were completed by 100% (22/22) of the centers. High uptake for implementation strategies provided by HPOs (10/11, 91% to 11/11, 100%) and the web-based program (11/11, 100%) was observed. At follow-up, intervention centers had logged on to the program at an average of 5.18 (SD 2.52) times. The web-based program and implementation support strategies were highly acceptable (10/11, 91% to 11/11, 100%). Implementation of 4 healthy eating practices improved in the intervention group, ranging from 19% (2/11) to 64% (7/11).ConclusionsThis study provides promising pilot data to warrant the conduct of a fully powered implementation trial to assess the impact of the program on ECEC healthy eating practice implementation.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12619001158156; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378099International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.1186/s40814-020-00707-w

Urinary deoxynivalenol as a biomarker of exposure in different age, life stage and dietary practice population groups.

The Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) and its modified forms are present in most samples of grain and grain-based products. Due to the widespread presence of DON in these highly consumed food commodities, nearly all individuals are exposed to DON. Previous estimates of the dietary DON intake in Norway indicated that children's dietary intake is close to or exceed the TDI of 1µg/kg bw/day for the sum of DON and three modified forms. One aim of the current study was to determine whether the concentrations of DON in morning urine differ between population groups like men, women, children, vegetarians, and pregnant women. An additional aim was to compare a set of models for estimating the dietary intake of DON based on urinary DON concentrations and also compare these models with DON-intakes estimated using food consumption data. DON and metabolites were detected in the morning urine from 256 out of 257 individuals and with concentrations in similar range as reported from other countries. Children have higher urinary DON-concentration than adults and elderly. The urinary DON-concentration in pregnant women and vegetarians did not differ from other adults. The estimated intake of DON was higher for children than for other age groups on a body weight basis. The correlations between different models for estimating DON-intake based on urinary concentration as well as based on individual food consumption were good (0.79-0.99), but with some outliers. We conclude that Norwegians are exposed to DON in the same range as reported from other countries and that children have a higher exposure than adults. Furthermore, we conclude that intake estimates based on urinary DON concentration is a useful tool for evaluation of the exposure at population level, but due to outliers, the estimates for individuals are uncertain. There are also uncertainties in intake estimates both from food consumption and from urinary DON concentration, and we could not conclude on which approach provides the most accurate exposure estimate.

School-Based Nutrition Interventions in Children Aged 6 to 18 Years: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews.

Schools are identified as a key setting to influence children’s and adolescents’ healthy eating. This umbrella review synthesised evidence from systematic reviews of school-based nutrition interventions designed to improve dietary intake outcomes in children aged 6 to 18 years. We undertook a systematic search of six electronic databases and grey literature to identify relevant reviews of randomized controlled trials. The review findings were categorised for synthesis by intervention type according to the World Health Organisation Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework domains: nutrition education; food environment; all three HPS framework domains; or other (not aligned to HPS framework domain). Thirteen systematic reviews were included. Overall, the findings suggest that school-based nutrition interventions, including nutrition education, food environment, those based on all three domains of the HPS framework, and eHealth interventions, can have a positive effect on some dietary outcomes, including fruit, fruit and vegetables combined, and fat intake. These results should be interpreted with caution, however, as the quality of the reviews was poor. Though these results support continued public health investment in school-based nutrition interventions to improve child dietary intake, the limitations of this umbrella review also highlight the need for a comprehensive and high quality systematic review of primary studies.

Association between Parents' Perceptions of Preschool Children's Weight, Feeding Practices and Children's Dietary Patterns: A Cross-Sectional Study in China.

Parental perception of children’s weight may influence parents’ feeding practices, and in turn, child dietary intake and weight status; however, there is limited evidence generated for preschoolers. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate associations between Chinese parents’ perceptions of child weight, feeding practices and preschoolers’ dietary patterns. Participants (1616 parent-child pairs) were recruited from six kindergartens in Hunan, China. Parents’ misperception, concern, and dissatisfaction on child weight were collected through a self-administered caregiver questionnaire. Parental feeding practices and children’s dietary intake were, respectively, assessed using the Child Feeding Questionnaire and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Linear regression models were applied to analyze associations between parental weight perceptions, feeding practices, and preschooler’s dietary patterns. Associations between parents’ weight perceptions and dietary patterns were significant only among underweight children. Regardless of child weight status, parental weight underestimation and preference for a heavier child were positively associated with pressure-to-eat. Parental weight concern was positively associated with restriction in normal weight child, but this was not found in other weight groups. In conclusion, Parents’ misperception, concern, and dissatisfaction about child weight are associated with parents’ feeding practices and may influence preschoolers’ dietary quality, but the relationships vary by children’s actual weight status.

Associations between Neighborhood Deprivation Index, Parent Perceptions and Preschooler Lifestyle Behaviors.

Parental perceptions and use of neighborhood facilities are important factors that are related to children’s dietary intake and physical activity. The aim of this study was to examine the association between neighborhood deprivation index, parents’ perceptions of their neighborhood environment, and healthy/unhealthy markers of child dietary intake, physical activity, and TV screen time. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dublin, Ireland. The lifestyle behaviors among children and parental perceptions of their neighborhood environment were reported by the parents of 276 children aged 3–5 years by using parent-completed questionnaires. Deprivation index was assessed using the geographic information system (GIS). Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression, adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. In adjusted models, high deprivation index was associated with parental perception of the neighborhood as unsafe for walking and cycling due to crime (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.04–2.43, p = 0.031) and children’s low engagement in structured physical activity (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.17–0.72, p = 0.004). Parental perceptions of an unsafe neighborhood due to heavy traffic were negatively correlated with children’s active play (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.95, p = 0.022). Children whose parents reported high satisfaction with the number of local sit-in and takeaway restaurants were 41% more likely to consume confectionary/sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) weekly. In this age group, parents play an important role in children’s lifestyle behaviors; therefore, a better understanding of parents’ perceptions and their use of neighborhood facilities could contribute to creating a healthy environment for this age group.

Groups of mothers based on feeding practices and their associations with dietary quality of pre-school children: A latent profile analysis

Parents' feeding practices are associated with children's food intake. However, little is known about the patterns of feeding practices used by groups of mothers or how these groupings of practices influence children's dietary intake. Therefore, the aims of this study are to classify and describe groups of mothers according to their patterns of feeding practices and to examine the associations between the groups of maternal feeding practices and pre-school children's dietary quality.In 2018, 1349 mothers based in Australia of children aged 2–5 years completed an online survey including validated measures of nine feeding practices and dietary quality, measured using thirteen summed dietary items. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct groups of mothers who shared similar feeding practices. Linear regression models were fitted to examine associations between the feeding practice profiles and child dietary quality.A three-profile model was chosen based on interpretation, profile size and statistical model fit criteria. Profile 1 had lower mean scores of structure-related feeding practices than the other profiles; profile 2 had mean scores reflecting slightly higher use of most structure-related feeding practices and lower mean scores of some non-responsive feeding practices; profile 3 had higher mean scores of non-responsive feeding practices than the other profiles. Profile 1 (−2.95, CI: 3.97; −1.92) and profile 3 (−2.81, CI: 3.49; −2.13) had lower mean child dietary quality scores compared with profile 2.Profile 2, which reflected the most engagement in structure-related feeding practices combined with least non-responsive feeding practices, was associated with higher child diet quality, compared with the other two profiles. The identification of these unique profiles could help to tailor future interventions to consider patterns of feeding practices used by groups of mothers.

Associations of Neighborhood Safety and Collective Efficacy with Dietary Intake among Preschool-Aged Children and Mothers.

Background: Positive neighborhood environments may promote healthier behaviors, yet few studies have examined associations between neighborhood social environment and diet. We examined associations of neighborhood perceived safety, collective efficacy, and violent crime with dietary intake among preschool-aged children and their mothers. Methods: We administered a cross-sectional survey to 300 mothers/female caregivers of Medicaid-enrolled 2- to 4-year-old children in Philadelphia. Mothers reported their own and their child's dietary intake using the validated Dietary Screener Questionnaire. Mixed-effects linear regression models assessed associations of perceived neighborhood safety, collective efficacy, and census tract-level violent crime with parent and child dietary intake, adjusted for individual, family, and neighborhood covariates. Results: Among mothers, higher perceived neighborhood safety and collective efficacy were associated with higher daily intake of fruits/vegetables (β = 0.35 cups, 95% CI: 0.12-0.58 and β = 0.30 cups, 95% CI: 0.08-0.52, comparing the highest with lowest tertile). Higher neighborhood-perceived safety was also associated with higher whole-grain intake among mothers (β = 0.14 ounces, 95% CI: 0.02-0.27) and children (β = 0.07 ounces, 95% CI: 0.01-0.13, comparing the highest with lowest tertile). Neighborhood social exposures were not associated with intake of added sugars or sugar-sweetened beverages for mothers or children, nor were lower levels of violent crime associated with any outcome. Conclusions: More favorable perceptions of neighborhood safety and collective efficacy were associated with a slightly higher consumption of some healthy foods among mothers and their young children. Future prospective research is needed to confirm these findings, explore potential mechanisms, and determine whether intervening on the social environment improves diet.

Comparison of mechanical work done during walking by different calculation methods

Diet quality indexes are useful tools to measure diet quality because they compare dietary intakes against recommendations. A dietary quality index for Asian preschool-aged children is lacking.The aims of this study were to develop and evaluate a dietary quality index for preschool-aged children (ie, the DQI-5) based on Singapore dietary recommendations and to examine diet quality in a cohort of 5-year-old children. An additional aim was to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics and DQI-5 scores.A secondary analysis was conducted using dietary intake of children from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes mother–offspring cohort assessed in 2015-2016 using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The sociodemographic data were assessed at recruitment between June 2009 and September 2010. The DQI-5 was evaluated using a construct validity approach, whereby nutrition parameters associated with diet quality were studied.Participants were 767 Singaporean children aged 5 years of Chinese, Malay, or Indian ethnicity.The main outcome measures were the DQI-5 scores and the sociodemographic characteristics associated with diet quality.Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate differences in adherence to dietary recommendations across DQI-5 tertiles. Linear multiple regression analysis was performed to identify sociodemographic characteristics that were associated with diet quality in the children.The DQI-5 consists of 12 food and nutrient components, with a minimum score of zero and a maximum score of 110 points. The higher scores indicate a healthier diet, the mean ± SD DQI-5 score for the children was 61.6 ± 13.2. DQI-5 components with low scores included whole grains, vegetables, and fatty acid ratio, whereas total rice and alternatives and milk and dairy products components were overconsumed by 18% and 24.4% of children, respectively. Children with higher scores were more likely to meet dietary recommendations and had higher intake of nutrients such as dietary fiber, iron, vitamin A, and beta carotene. Children whose mothers were of Malay ethnicity and whose mothers had low income, an education below university, and shared primary caregiver responsibilities were more likely to have lower DQI-5 scores.The DQI-5 scores revealed diets to be low for several components and excessive for a few. The DQI-5 developed for preschool-aged children in Singapore had adequate construct validity.

Dietary Outcomes of the 'Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads' Randomised Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: The effect of fathers on dietary intake in preschool-aged children is under-explored. The aims were to: (i) evaluate the efficacy of a family-based lifestyle intervention, Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads, on change in dietary intake in fathers and their preschool-aged children post-intervention (10 weeks) and at 9 months follow-up compared to a waitlist control group and (ii) investigate associations in father–child dietary intakes. (2) Methods: Linear mixed models estimated group-by-time effects for all dietary outcomes, measured by food frequency questionnaires. Cohen’s d determined effect sizes, while correlation tests determined associations in father–child dietary intakes. (3) Results: For children, medium group-by-time effects sizes were identified at 10 weeks for sodium intake (d = 0.38) and percentage energy from core foods (d = 0.43), energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods (d = 0.43) and prepacked snacks (d = 0.45). These findings were sustained at 9 months follow-up. For fathers, medium to large, group-by-time effect sizes were identified at 10 weeks for energy intake (d = 0.55), sodium intake (d = 0.64) and percentage energy from core foods (d = 0.49), EDNP foods (d = 0.49), and confectionary (d = 0.36). For all of these dietary variables, except sodium, effects were sustained at 9 months. Moderate to strong associations existed in father–child dietary intakes for some of the dietary variables. (4) Conclusions: Although further research is required, this study provides preliminary support for targeting fathers as agents of change to improve dietary intakes in their preschool-aged children.

Television viewing and using screens while eating: Associations with dietary intake in children and adolescents

Screen time has been associated with overweight and obesity, as well as with poorer dietary quality. However, the reasons explaining these associations are not well understood. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were [1] to determine the extent of overall TV viewing as well as using screens while eating (e.g., watching TV or using a tablet), [2] to compare food and nutrient consumption of on-versus off-screen eating occasions, and [3] to determine whether TV viewing and using screens while eating is associated with overall dietary intake. Participants were from the Food Environment Chilean Cohort (n = 938, 4–6 y) and the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study (n = 752, 12–14 y). Dietary data was collected via one 24-h food recall. For each eating occasion, activity performed during consumption (e.g., watching TV, playing sports) was reported. Weekly TV viewing time was collected via an additional survey instrument. Analyses included multivariable linear and logistic regression. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons examined differences in outcomes by tertiles. Our sample reported a median of 9–13.5 weekly hours of TV viewing and 87.5% reported consuming at least one meal or snack per day while using screens. The median kilocalories contributed by eating during screen use was 387 kcal/d in children and 848 kcal/day in adolescents, which represents 34.7% and 42.3% of daily energy intake, respectively. There were no consistent differences when comparing eating occasions consumed on-screen versus off-screen. Higher weekly TV viewing was associated with elements of a less healthy diet including more sweets and desserts in children, and more sugar sweetened beverages in adolescents. A large percentage of Chilean children and adolescents’ daily energy is consumed while using screens. In depth, longitudinal work is needed to understand how screen time eating affects diet quality and nutritional status.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on elementary schoolers' physical activity, sleep, screen time and diet: A quasi-experimental interrupted time series study.

SummaryBackgroundCOVID‐19 school closures pose a threat to children's wellbeing, but no COVID‐19‐related studies have assessed children's behaviours over multiple years .ObjectiveTo examine children's obesogenic behaviours during spring and summer of the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to previous data collected from the same children during the same calendar period in the 2 years prior.MethodsPhysical activity and sleep data were collected via Fitbit Charge‐2 in 231 children (7–12 years) over 6 weeks during spring and summer over 3 years. Parents reported their child's screen time and dietary intake via a survey on 2–3 random days/week.ResultsChildren's behaviours worsened at a greater rate following the pandemic onset compared to pre‐pandemic trends. During pandemic spring, sedentary behaviour increased (+79 min; 95% CI = 60.6, 97.1) and MVPA decreased (−10 min, 95% CI = −18.2, −1.1) compared to change in previous springs (2018–2019). Sleep timing shifted later (+124 min; 95% CI = 112.9, 135.5). Screen time (+97 min, 95% CI = 79.0, 115.4) and dietary intake increased (healthy: +0.3 foods, 95% CI = 0.2, 0.5; unhealthy: +1.2 foods, 95% CI = 1.0, 1.5). Similar patterns were observed during summer.ConclusionsCompared to pre‐pandemic measures, children's PA, sedentary behaviour, sleep, screen time, and diet were adversely altered during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This may ultimately exacerbate childhood obesity.

Caregiver Feeding Practices as Predictors for Child Dietary Intake in Low-Income, Appalachian Communities.

The Appalachian region of the U.S. is disproportionately impacted by poverty, obesity, and nutrition-related chronic diseases. Evidence suggests that caregiver feeding practices may promote healthful eating behaviors among children; however, this has not been examined in low-income, rural, Appalachian populations. This study examines caregiver feeding practices as predictors for child diet in low-income Appalachian families, using a cross-sectional analysis of 178 caregivers of young children (ages 2–10 years old), that were recruited from low-income, rural communities in East Tennessee, from November 2017 to June 2018. Caregivers self-reported measures of demographics, feeding practices, and child dietary intake. Multiple linear regression analyses were run, and found that higher use of caregiver modeling positively predicted child vegetable consumption (Beta = 1.02; p = 0.04). Higher caregiver intake of fruits and vegetables positively predicted child fruit consumption (Beta = 0.29; p = 0.02) and vegetable consumption (Beta = 1.56; p < 0.001), respectively. Higher home availability of healthier foods positively predicted child fruit consumption (Beta = 0.06; p = 0.002) and vegetable consumption (Beta = 0.09; p = 0.05). Higher home availability of less healthy foods positively predicted child consumption of high-sugar/high-fat snack foods (Beta = 0.59; p = 0.003). The findings of this study indicate that caregiver modeling, healthy caregiver dietary intake, and healthful home food availability are associated with healthier child dietary intake among young children in low-income, rural, Appalachian areas. Promoting these practices among caregivers may be an important strategy to enhancing dietary intake of children in this hard-to-reach, underserved population.

Picky Eating in School-Aged Children: Sociodemographic Determinants and the Associations with Dietary Intake.

Children exhibiting picky eating behavior often demonstrate strong food preferences and rejection of particular foods or food texture, which may lead to limited dietary variety and possibly inadequate or unhealthy diet. Yet, the relationship between picky eating and nutrient intake in school-aged children has not been established previously. This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic determinants of picky eating and the associations between picky eating and dietary intake in children. Data of 424 healthy Saudi children aged 6–12 years were collected from their mothers. A child’s picky eating habits were captured using a validated questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics of the children were assessed. Dietary data, including 24 h dietary recalls and frequency of fruit, vegetable, and milk consumption, were collected by dietetic professionals using phone-administered interviews. Compared to those of normal-weight mothers, children of mothers with obesity had higher odds of being in the highest tertile of picky eating (OR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.02, 3.63). Children exhibiting higher levels of picky eating consumed less fruits (B = −0.03; 95% CI −0.06, −0.01), vegetables (B = −0.05; 95% CI −0.07, −0.02), and protein (B = −0.21; 95% CI −0.33, −0.09), and had higher consumption of trans fatty acid intake (B = 1.10; 95% CI 0.06, 2.15). Children with higher levels of picky eating presented unhealthy dietary behaviors. Future studies are needed to examine the long-term effect of picky eating on cardiovascular health. Dietary behaviors of mothers with obesity must be taken into consideration when designing intervention programs aiming to improve eating behaviors of children.

Parenting style as a predictor of dietary score change in children from 4 to 14 years of age. Findings from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

To examine associations between parenting style and changes in dietary quality score across childhood. This longitudinal analysis included the child's frequency of consumption for twelve food and drink items reported by mothers of children (aged 4-8 years) and children (aged 10-14 years) during face-to-face interviews biennially. These items were combined into dietary scores based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Parenting styles were classified at baseline as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and disengaged. Multilevel modelling was used to examine changes in diet quality score over time by maternal parenting styles. The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. A total of 4282 children aged 4 to 14 years. Children's diet quality score declined over time between 4 and 14 years of age (β = -0·10, 95 % CI (-0·11, -0·08)). There was strong evidence to suggest that change in diet quality differed dependent on baseline maternal parenting style, although diet quality declined for all groups. Children with authoritative mothers had the greatest decline in diet quality score over time (β = -0·13; 95 % CI (-0·18, -0·08)), while children with disengaged mothers had the lowest decline (β = -0·03; 95 % CI (-0·07, 0·01)). However, it is important to note that children with authoritative mothers had a better dietary quality score than children of permissive or disengaged mothers for most of their childhood. These findings question the previous assumptions that early exposure to an authoritative parenting style has lasting positive effects on the dietary intake of children.