Parental Feeding Practices And Their Association With Childhood Nutritional Status And Growth

Abstract

Background: Parental feeding habits are important factors in influencing the diets of children, their nutritional status and physical development. Childhood feeding behaviors can impact on later health, such as under- or overweight. Objective: This research will focus on exploring the relationship between feeding patterns of parents and nutritional status and growth patterns of children. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 120 children aged 5-12 years and parents. Structured questionnaires were used to measure the feeding practices, anthropometric measurements such as the Body Mass Index (BMI) and the growth measures were taken. Analysis was done using statistical techniques such as correlation and regression models. Findings: The results indicated a positive correlation between responsive feeding practices and healthy BMI levels (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) and enhanced growth. However, pressure-based and restrictive feeding practices were both associated with an increased risk of underweight or overweight ( β = -0.38). Both balanced nutrition education in children and improved nutritional status and reduced growth-related problems. Conclusion: Children Nutritional health and growth is highly dependent on practices of parental feeding. It is necessary to support sensitive and moderated feeding practices that will result in the best child development.