Prevalence and associated factors of feeding difficulties in typically developing preschool children in Sunprasitthiprasong Hospital
Keywords:
Feeding difficulties, Typically Developing Preschool Children, Preterm birth, Screen media use during meals, Sociodemographic factorsAbstract
Background: Feeding difficulties in early childhood are common and can adversely affect growth, nutrition, and long-term health. Despite global data, local epidemiological evidence in Thailand particularly among typically developing preschool children remains limited, and potential modifiable factors have not been thoroughly explored.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of feeding difficulties and identify associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors among typically developing preschool children.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted among 385 children aged 6 months–6 years attending the outpatient department of Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani. Feeding behavior was assessed using the Thai version of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS-TH), validated for psychometric properties. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of feeding difficulties.
Results: The prevalence of feeding difficulties was 31.9%. Multivariable analysis revealed that preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.05–4.19) and screen media use during meals (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.31–4.02) significantly increased the likelihood of feeding difficulties. Low weight-for-age (≤3rd percentile) showed a borderline association (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 0.98–3.99). No significant associations were found with parental education or family income.
Conclusions: Feeding difficulties affect nearly one-third of typically developing preschoolers in this Thai cohort, with preterm birth and screen media use during meals emerging as key modifiable risk factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted parental guidance and early interventions, particularly discouraging screen use during meals and providing closer feeding behavior monitoring for preterm children.
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