Does Behavioral Feeding Problem Influence Weight Status and Diet Quality in Preschool Children?

KAYA N., Aykemat Y., KURTBEYOĞLU E.

Topics in Clinical Nutrition, vol.40, no.1, pp.16-25, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 40 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/tin.0000000000000378
  • Journal Name: Topics in Clinical Nutrition
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.16-25
  • Keywords: behavioral feeding problems, diet quality, growth, preschool children, weight
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigated behavioral feeding problems and associations with weight status and diet quality in preschool children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 265 children aged 3 to 6 years. The Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was used to assess feeding behavior. Higher feeding problems were associated with lower body mass index and lower diet quality. Underweight children had higher mean BPFAS scores (P =.01). Having fewer siblings was associated with lower diet quality (r = 0.187; P =.002) and higher BPFAS scores (r = -0.127; P =.038). Higher BPFAS scores, picky-eaters scores, toddler refusal-general scores, and older children refusal-general scores were associated with lower body mass index and lower diet quality (P <.001).