Feeding Problems In Children Research Articles

Nutrition and diet in children with orofacial clefts in Africa: a scoping review

Background and aimThe burden of orofacial clefts (OFCs) has declined globally except in sub-Saharan Africa, with a great disease burden in North Africa. Children with OFCs have a high risk of malnutrition, and African countries have some of the highest malnutrition rates. This scoping review assessed the status of research on OFCs and nutrition and feeding among children living in African countries.MethodsWe followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for conducting scoping reviews. We searched eleven databases for articles on malnutrition and feeding among children with OFCs living in African countries. No restriction was done by type of study or publication date. Books, book chapters, and reviews were excluded. Only publications in English language were included. We extracted information about the publication year, study design, setting, location, participants’ age, data collection methods, international collaboration, and funding. We classified articles into studies assessing (1) the impact of nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy on OFCs, (2) the impact of OFCs on malnutrition, (3) feeding problems in children with OFCs, and (4) the impact of nutritional status on OFCs repair outcomes. We calculated frequencies and used bar charts and a map.ResultsOut of 208 search results, 36 were duplicates, and 25 eventually fit the inclusion criteria, with 52% retrieved from Google Scholar. About 80% of the studies were from four countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Uganda; 72% were hospital-based and 52% were cross-sectional. The most frequent data collection method was clinical examination and questionnaires. Most studies focused on feeding problems in children with OFCs (44%) and the impact of OFCs on malnutrition (32%). International collaboration was observed in six studies, with one study showing South-South collaboration. Only two studies were funded.ConclusionsThere is a predominance of under-funded descriptive research not indexed by international databases. Minimal research has been directed to population-level OFC preventive programs in primary healthcare settings and assessing interventions supporting children with OFCs. A research agenda is needed to prioritize research needs and secure funds to support South-South collaboration to address the nutrition and feeding-related problems associated with OFCs.

Factors associated with feeding problems in children with developmental disabilities in Saudi Arabia

Factors associated with feeding problems in children with developmental disabilities in Saudi Arabia

Alterations in Child Feeding Behavior: An Underrecognized Clinical Complication of Food Allergy

BackgroundFood allergy (FA) affects around 5.6 million children in the US, conferring risk for negative impacts on growth and psychosocial functioning. While evidence suggests a higher prevalence of feeding difficulties in children with FA, the link between FA and feeding dysfunction remains unclear. ObjectiveTo investigate feeding problems in children with parent-reported IgE-mediated FA and/or pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) compared to healthy children in a community-based sample, and to explore factors associated with feeding problems in children with FA. MethodsA matched cross-sectional cohort study utilized survey data from 352 parents of children aged 6 months to 7 years who reported a diagnosed IgE-mediated FA and/or PFD (50 with FA only, 67 with FA and PFD, and 235 with PFD only). Healthy children were matched based on age, gender, race, and socio-economic factors. Feeding problems were assessed using the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PediEAT). Matched-pairs generalized linear regressions compared each cohort and explored factors associated with feeding problems in children with FA. ResultsChildren with FA exhibited significantly higher feeding problems compared to healthy children. Children with a diagnosed PFD had more severe feeding problems, irrespective of comorbid FA. Factors linked with feeding problems in children with FA included older age, non-White race, increased medical comorbidity, and limited dietary variety. ConclusionThis study adds to evidence indicating a higher prevalence of feeding problems in children with FA. Clinicians treating FA patients should routinely screen for feeding and growth concerns and consider referral to multidisciplinary feeding programs as needed.

"Still work?" Design and effect of interventions used to modify feeding problems in children with autism: A systematic review of studies employing group designs.

Feeding problems in children with autism jeopardize the well-being of both children with autism and their families. Mixed findings were reported from previous interventions, which were mostly evaluated by single subject research design (SSRD) studies. Moreover, feasibility assessment and social validity measurement were unaddressed by these SSRD studies. To fill this substantial knowledge gap, the present review systematically summarized and evaluated feeding interventions implemented in children with autism, which were assessed by studies employing group designs. An extensive literature search in eight established online databases was conducted, and a total of 17 eligible studies published in 2009-2021 were included for further analysis. A descriptive account of the features of the investigations is provided, including assessment of study quality. A total of 449 children with autism and 203 parents/caregivers participated in the included studies. The multiple use of five strategic intervention components were highlighted in this review, including nutrition education/consultations, environmental modifications, sensory exposure, cognitive components, and behaviour interventions. The reviewed interventions showed a preliminarily positive effect for modifying feeding problems in children with autism. Furthermore, the evaluation based on the RE-AIM framework (reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) demonstrated that an interdisciplinary multi-component intervention strategy may achieve high effectiveness and feasibility in improving feeding problems in a wide range of children with autism. This review found that interventions achieved and maintained a positive effect on modification of feeding problems in groups of children with autism. Information and gaps identified and summarized in the implementation process may assist both researchers and stakeholders to further support these vulnerable children.

Effect of maternal eating behaviors and attitudes towards the feeding process on feeding problems of pre-school age children

Background & AimsFeeding problems in pre-school children are common and negative maternal feeding practices may even worsen the child's problematic eating behaviour. Therefore, investigating the effects of maternal eating behaviors and attitudes towards the feeding process on pre-school children’s feeding problems may be helpful for preventing feeding problems. This study sought to investigate the effects of maternal eating behaviors and attitudes towards the feeding process on feeding problems of pre-school children. MethodsMothers of 373 children aged 3-6 were included in this cross-sectional study and data was collected by an online questionnaire including the scales of three factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ), mother’s attitudes towards the feeding process (MATFPS) and behavioral pediatric feeding assessment (BPFAS), as well as demographics and anthropometric measures (height and weight). Spearman’s rho test was used to calculate correlation coefficients between the, TFEQ, MATFP and BPFA scales. In order to identify independent predictors of child feeding behaviors, a multiple linear regression model was used. ResultsResults showed that uncontrolled eating subscale was positively (r=0.160, p<0.001) and cognitive restriction subscale negatively (r=-0.126, p<0.05) correlated with MATFP. MATFP was also positively correlated with BPFA (r=0.368, p<0.001). Regression analysis indicated that BPFA was significantly predicted by MATFP which was the most important contributor of child feeding problems (β=0.24 t=4.88, p<0.001). ConclusionsThis study indicated that maternal eating behaviors were related to maternal attitudes towards the feeding process and, mothers’ attitudes were associated with feeding problems of their pre-school children.

Argentine version of the PediEAT, a pediatric eating assessment tool.

Introduction. During childhood, children may experience some degree of difficulty eating. A tool (PediEAT) has been developed in the United States and is available to assess pediatric eating and to identify problematic symptoms. Objective. To obtain an Argentine version that is transculturally adapted, culturally adequate, and semantically equivalent to the original version. Population and methods. A self-administered version of the PediEAT was used and completed by families and/or caregivers of children aged 6 months to 7 years. In the first phase, content validity was assessed by a group of experts. This was followed by a pre-test phase with families using cognitive interviews to test word and phrase comprehension. The necessary changes were made to obtain a version adapted to the context. Results. The tool's content validity was assessed by a group of 8 experts; as a result, 36 of the 80 items were changed. During the pre-test phase, cognitive interviews were conducted with 18 caregivers; 11 items were changed to improve comprehension by the Argentine population. The Argentine version was approved by the original authors. Conclusions. The Argentine version of the PediEAT tool is linguistically equivalent to the original version, and this allows its use to screen for feeding problems in children.

Prevalence and determinants of under-nutrition among children on ART in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Children living with HIV/AIDS are particularly vulnerable to under-nutrition. Under-nutrition associated with HIV/AIDS infection increases the rate of morbidity and mortality in children. To reaffirm a future objective, there needs to be evidence regarding the current national burden of under-nutrition and related factors among children infected with HIV. Hence, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of under-nutrition, and the pooled effect sizes of associated factors among HIV-infected children in Ethiopia. We searched Ethiopian universities' online libraries, Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Scopus to find the primary studies for this review. Publication bias was checked through Egger's regression test. Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using the I2 test. The data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA Version 14 statistical software. A random effect meta-analysis model was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of Under-nutrition. After reviewing 1449 primary studies, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting among children living with HIV/AIDS was 32.98% (95% CI: 22.47, 43.50), 29.76% (95% CI: 21.87, 37.66), and 21.16% (95% CI: 14.96, 27.35) respectively. This study showed that under-nutrition among HIV-infected children in Ethiopia was significantly high. Under-nutrition is more common among HIV-infected children with opportunistic infections, child feeding problems, do not adhere to dietary recommendations, and have diarrhea. The national policies and strategies for ART service- provider centers should maximize their emphasis on reducing under-nutrition among HIV-infected children. Based on this finding, we recommend HIV intervention programs to address nutritional assessment and interventions for HIV-infected children. The protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO database with a registration number of CRD-394170.

Association between sensory reactivity and feeding problems in school-aged children: InProS Study

This study aimed to explore the association between sensory reactivity (SR) and feeding problems in children at 3–7 years of age. We analysed data from 589 Spanish children from the InProS project, a population-based cross-sectional study. SR was measured using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) as a two-level categorical variable (SR or no SR) and feeding problems (food variety, texture problems, or both feeding problems) were collected using closed questions (yes or no). Multiple Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations adjusted for potential confounding variables. Results showed the following prevalence rates for SR: 29.0% (SSP total score <155), 11.4% (tactile sensitivity <30), 14.8% (taste/smell sensitivity <15), 22.1% (movement sensitivity <13), 49.1% (low responsiveness/seeking sensation <27), 43.6% (auditory filtering <23), 11.6% (low energy/weak <26), and 25.3% (visual/auditory sensitivity <19). Around a fifth of children (18.3%) consumed a limited variety of foods, 4.9% had difficulties in the transition/introduction of textures, and 3.9% had both feeding problems. The presence of taste/smell sensitivity was associated with difficulties in the transition/introduction of textures (PR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.09–1.27), limited variety of foods (PR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.31–1.53), and both feeding problems (PR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.19–1.44). In addition, children with total SR or auditory filtering SR were associated with a higher prevalence of consuming a limited variety of foods (PR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.06–1.20 and PR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.02–1.15, respectively). These findings highlight the importance of considering SR as a potential predictor of feeding problems, especially in children with taste/smell sensitivity. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Ten Tight Years: A Late Eosinophilic Esophagitis Diagnosis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is now one of the most common conditions diagnosed during the assessment of feeding problems in children and during the evaluation of dysphagia and food impaction in adults. We report a case of a 20-year-old male, with a history of asthma, who developed solid dysphagia and food impaction symptoms over a 10-year course. A late diagnosis led to incapacitating symptoms, advanced endoscopic findings, and riskier therapeutic options. Primary care providers are pivotal for timely and accurate detection of symptoms and proper referral to specialists.

Pembuatan Mobile Learning untuk Ibu Mengenali dan Mengatasi Permasalahan Anak Usia Dini Sulit Makan Menggunakan Metode Waterfall

The research aims to develop a mobile learning app for mothers to help them identify and solve early childhood problems that are difficult to eat. The development method used is the Waterfall method, which involves structured stages such as needs analysis, planning, implementation, testing, and maintenance. At the need analysis stage, we conducted surveys and interviews with mothers who had early childhood to understand the challenges they faced in dealing with their children's eating problems. Next, at the design stage, we design an application interface, educational content, and interactive features that will help you understand this issue better. Application deployment involves software development based on the design that has been made. After that, we tested the application to ensure its functionality and effectiveness in helping mothers identify and deal with early childhood eating problems. We also involved moms as test users during this phase to get valuable feedback. The results of this study show that the use of the Waterfall method in the development of Mobile Learning for early childhood problems that are difficult to eat produces applications that can help mothers significantly. The application provides relevant information, practical advice, and community support for mothers facing this problem. In conclusion, the Waterfall method has proven to be effective in producing mobile learning applications that are useful to mothers in dealing with early childhood feeding problems. The app has the potential to enhance mother's understanding of their children's nutrition and provide better solutions to dealing with eating problems in early childhood.

Prevalence of Feeding Problems in Children and Associated Factors-A Cross-Sectional Study among Polish Children Aged 2-7 Years.

The study group consisted of 585 children: 299 boys (51.11%) and 286 girls (48.89%). The study was conducted using a questionnaire-based method, with an indirect survey technique using a web-based form (CAWI). The research tool used was the Montreal Children's Hospital-Pediatric Feeding Program. Groups with the lowest risk feeding problems, risk 0, comprised 445 children (76.06%); group 1, middle difficulties, 59 children (10.08%); group 2, moderate difficulties, 40 children (6.84%); and group 3, most difficulties, 40 children (7.01%). The mean MCH-FS score for the entire study group was calculated and was 37.29 points ± 12.02; for 2 year olds, 35.69 points; for 3 year olds, 37.41 points; for 4 year olds, 38.31 points; for 5 year olds, 38.46 points; for 6 year olds, 37.95 points; and for 7 year olds, 36.06 points. The mean value of the MCH-FS scale for girls was 37.44 points, and for boys, 37.32 points. None of the above parameters correlated with the risk of feeding problems, including age, except with a non-significative tendency to be higher in the youngest age. Breast milk feeding and the time of complementary feeding (CF) in the study group did not influence the risk of feeding problems. Using the full BLW method during CF can protect the child against the occurrence of feeding problems such a food selectivity or picky eating in the future. In our study, children with difficulties during CF, mainly the vomiting reflex, were more likely to develop feeding problems such as food neophobia. Based on our study, we did not observe a correlation between age, gender, and the occurrence of feeding problems, and there was only a non-significant tendency to be higher in the youngest age. However, further research needs to be undertaken to assess how such behaviour affects subsequent feeding difficulties.

Associations of crying, sleeping, and feeding problems in early childhood and perceived social support with emotional disorders in adulthood

BackgroundMultiple or persistent crying, sleeping, or feeding problems in early childhood (regulatory problems) are associated with increased internalizing symptoms in adulthood. Unknown is whether early regulatory problems are associated with emotional disorders in adulthood, and what psychosocial factors may provide protection. We tested whether early childhood multiple or persistent regulatory problems are associated with a higher risk of (a) any mood and anxiety disorder in adulthood; (b) perceiving no social support in adulthood; and (c) whether social support provides protection from mood and anxiety disorders among participants who had multiple/persistent regulatory problems and those who never had regulatory problems.MethodsData from two prospective longitudinal studies in Germany (n = 297) and Finland (n = 342) was included (N = 639). Regulatory problems were assessed at 5, 20, and 56 months with the same standardized parental interviews and neurological examinations. In adulthood (24–30 years), emotional disorders were assessed with diagnostic interviews and social support with questionnaires.ResultsChildren with multiple/persistent regulatory problems (n = 132) had a higher risk of any mood disorder (odds ratio (OR) = 1.81 [95% confidence interval = 1.01–3.23]) and of not having any social support from peers and friends (OR = 1.67 [1.07–2.58]) in adulthood than children who never had regulatory problems. Social support from peers and friends provided protection from mood disorders, but only among adults who never had regulatory problems (OR = 4.03 [2.16–7.94]; p = .039 for regulatory problems x social support interaction).ConclusionsChildren with multiple/persistent regulatory problems are at increased risk of mood disorders in young adulthood. Social support from peers and friends may, however, only provide protection from mood disorders in individuals who never had regulatory problems.

Development and Validation of Oro-Motor Sensory Training Module for Feeding Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Purpose: To develop and validate an oro-motor/sensory training module for addressing feeding challenges in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder. Method: The present qualitative study was carried out in three phases: conceptualization, development, and validation of the oro-motor sensory training module. A total of 30 participants (15 speech language pathologists [SLPs] and 15 occupational therapists) treating children with autism spectrum disorders with a minimum of 5 years of experience validated the developed module. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done to see the reliability of the validation. Results: The overall rating of both groups of validators showed excellent reliability. Positive feedback was obtained for the module from the validators. Conclusion: The module can be a resource for SLPs and other professionals.

Effects of parent- and child-related behavioral feeding problems in early childhood on malnutrition

ObjectiveChildren's responses to food and their caregivers during normal developmental periods are known as feeding behavior. For the healthy development of these behaviors, parent and child relationships must also be healthy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of behavioral feeding problems on primary malnutrition (PM). MethodThe Behavioral Pediatric Nutrition Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was administered to 300 malnourished and 300 control pediatric patients aged from 9 months to 4 years who were referred to our pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Pre- and posttreatment data were compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without malnutrition in terms of gender and age (p = 0.191, p = 0.128, respectively). Total behavioral frequency (TBF) and total behavioral problem (TBP) scores were significantly higher in the malnutrition group (p < 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis of risk factors that may affect malnutrition we found that a total TBF score of ≥85 increases the risk of developing malnutrition 3.731 times, a child TBF score of ≥62 increases it 2.644 times, and a parental TBF score of ≥21 increases it 4.82 times (p < 0.001). When anthropometric measurements and BPFAS scores of 127 PM patients who received behavioral therapy with enteral products and who attended follow-up were compared with their pretreatment data, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.05). ConclusionOur study showed that behavioral feeding problems may increase the risk of PM and that behavioral therapy together with enteral products has a positive effect on treatment. Therefore, in addition to nutritional support in patients with PM, offering behavioral feeding therapy to parents will positively affect both the child's physical development and the relationship between the parents and their child.

Nutritional Status and Feeding Problems in Pediatric Specific Learning Disability.

This cross-sectional study aims to determine the feeding problems and nutritional status of children diagnosed with specific learning disability (SLD), which is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders. Sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, and food consumption records of 76 children (38 boys and 38 girls) diagnosed with SLD were obtained by applying a questionnaire. The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale was used to determine the feeding problems of children. About 31.6% of children with SLD are overweight and obese. Feeding behavioral problems were found in 39.5% of the children with SLD. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significantly higher frequency of feeding behavior problems in children with SLD: (1) lower body mass index (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.841, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.722-0.979), (2) lower tri-ponderal mass index (AOR: 0.738, 95% CI: 0.585-0.933), (3) lower upper middle arm circumference (AOR: 0.772, 95% CI: 0.649-0.918),and (4) lower triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT) (AOR: 0.890, 95% CI: 0.808-0.980). In this study, feeding behavior problems are common in children diagnosed with SLD. Therefore, identifying feeding behavior problems in children diagnosed with SLD and developing solutions specific to the problem are important for gaining healthy eating habits throughout life.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on infant and child nutrition

DSÖ tarafından Mart 2020’de pandemi olarak ilan edilen Şiddetli Akut Solunum Yolu Sendromu enfeksiyonu (SARS- CoV-2) ekonomik ve sosyal krizlere yol açan eşi benzeri görülmemiş bir halk sağlığı sorunu haline gelmiştir. Teyit edilen ilk pediatrik vaka 20 Ocak’ta Çin Halk Cumhuriyetinin Shenzhen şehrinde bildirilmiş, o tarihten sonra çok fazla çocuk olgu sunumu ve olgu serisi rapor edilmiştir. Bu raporlarda çocuklarda hastalığın seyrinin asemptomatik olmasının yanında respiratuvar distres sendromu, multiorgan disfonksiyon sendromu gibi daha ciddi komplikasyonlar olabileceği belirtilmektedir. Ancak, hastalığın direk etkilerinin yanında gizlenen diğer sorunların, pandeminin indirek etkilerinin, daha ciddi sorunlara yol açtığı ve açmaya devam edeceği vurgulanmaktadır. Okulların kapanması, akran etkileşiminin azalması gibi nedenler ile birlikte pandeminin çocukların mental ve fiziksel sağlığına olan etkileri endişe yaratmaktadır. Pandemi sürecinde gıda güvensizliği sorunu daha da derinleşmiş, bebek ve çocuk beslenmesi etkilenmiştir. Bu doğrultuda bu derleme, SARS-CoV-2 pandemisi süresince bebek ve çocuk besleme sorunlarını, bu sorunlara neden olan faktörleri ve bu sorunları önlemeye yönelik stratejileri, çocuk ve ailesine yapılacak olan bilgilendirme ve danışmanlıktaki rollerimizi ortaya koymaktır.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y feeding jejunostomy as a long-term solution for severe feeding problems in children

Enteral feeding is a common problem in children with gastric emptying disorders. Traditional feeding methods in these patients often show a high rate of complications and maintenance issues. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y feeding jejunostomy (LRFJ) has been described in a few patients as a minimal invasive option for enteral access in these children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of the LRFJ procedure in our tertiary referral center. We conducted a retrospective case-series including all patients, aged 0–18 years old, that underwent a LFRJ procedure between August 2011 and December 2020 for the indication of oral feeding intolerance due to delayed gastric emptying. Outcomes evaluated were complications (short and long term) and parenteral satisfaction. In total, 12 children were identified that underwent LRFJ for the indication of oral feeding intolerance due to delayed gastric emptying. A total of 16 complications were noted in 8/12 patients (67%). Severity classified by Clavien-Dindo were grade I (n = 13), grade II (n = 1), and grade IIIB (n = 2). In 11/12 patients, parents were satisfied with the results. Conclusions: Although minor complications after LRFJ are common in our patients, this technique is a safe solution in patients with gastric emptying disorders leading to a definitive method of enteral feeding and high parenteral satisfaction.What is Known:• Traditional tube feeding in children (duodenal, PEG-J-tubes) with severe delayed gastric emptying can be challenging with a high rate of complications and maintenance issues.• Open loop jejunostomy and Roux-en-Y jejunostomy are alternative, permanent methods of feeding but either invasive or are accompanied by severe complications. Little is known in the literature about laparoscopic Roux-en-Y feeding jejunostomy.What is New:• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y feeding jejunostomy is a permanent, safe and minimal invasive alternative option for enteral feeding in children with severe delayed gastric emptying..

Evaluating Outcome Measure Data for an Intensive Interdisciplinary Home-Based Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary home-based feeding program, which is a unique service delivery model. Data were provided on oral intake, tube feeding elimination, and weight for patients who were dependent on tube feedings (n = 78). Weight data were collected for patients who showed failure to thrive (n = 49). Number of foods consumed and percentage of solids were collected for patients who were liquid-dependent (n = 23), and number of foods consumed were collected for patients who were food-selective (n = 61). Data were analyzed using paired sample t-test with 95% confidence interval. For patients dependent on tube feedings, 81% achieved tube feeding elimination. Tube elimination was achieved after 8 months of treatment on average. All failure-to-thrive patients showed weight gain from baseline to discharge. For liquid-dependent patients, there was an increase in foods consumed from 2 foods at admission to 32 foods at discharge. For food selective patients, there was an increase from 4 foods at admission to 35 foods at discharge. For all dependent variables, results showed statistical significance and a large-sized effect. These data show that an intensive interdisciplinary home-based program can be successful in treating complex feeding problems in children.

Describing and Predicting Feeding Problems During the First 2 Years Within an Urban Pediatric Primary Care Center.

We conducted a prospective cohort study with children aged 6 to 18 months to identify predictors of feeding problems in an urban sample. Parent-reported child feeding problems (Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale) and picky eating, parental anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7), and family meal structure (Meals in Our Household) were assessed via a Web-based survey at 3 time points. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, and mixed-effects regression modeling. Eighty parents completed the survey. Child picky eating (r =.51) and resistance to try new foods (r = .30), parental anxiety (r = .34), rushed mealtimes (r = .28), and child age (r = .32) were significantly associated with child feeding problems. Feeding Scale scores were, on average, 6 points higher among picky eaters than those who were not over time (p < .001). Parent reports of picky eating early in life may warrant additional clinical investigation and referral to feeding specialists.

Clinical Validation of Feeding Handicap Index for Children (FHI-C).

Children with developmental disabilities (DD) exhibit feeding and swallowing difficulties, which can have an impact on nutritional, developmental, and psychological aspects. The existing tools assess the nature of feeding problems and behaviors only. The present study aimed to assess the physical, functional, and emotional domains in children with DD with feeding issues using Feeding handicap index for children (FHI-C). For clinical validation, FHI-C was administered on the parents/caregivers of 60 children with cerebral palsy, 61 with autism spectrum disorder, 59 with intellectual disability and 60 typically developing children in the age range of 2 to 10years. The results revealed that the mean scores (Total FHI-C and FHI-C domain scores) were significantly higher for all three clinical groups than for the control group, which revealed good clinical validity. Also, FHI-C was found to have significantly high test-retest reliability. The study presents a valid and reliable tool for assessing the psychosocial handicapping effects of feeding problems in children with DD. FHI-C provides a holistic picture about the psychosocial impact of feeding problems in children with DD and will assist the clinicians in prioritizing the goals for feeding therapy. The scores obtained can be used as reference for pre and post therapy comparison purposes.