Picky eating behaviour and its impact on growth among Pre-school children attending outpatient department of tertiary health care centre, Hyderabad : A Cross-Sectional study

Abstract

Background: Picky eating is very common problem encountered by parents which does not require much intervention
until other problems like micronutrients deficiency, stunting, wasting and malnutrition. Picky eating is mostly seen in
preschool children and gradually withers away as age progresses but nevertheless parents need to take guard and observe
the child and report any abnormality. The study was undertaken to understand the impact of picky eating on weight and
height for age. Methods: The cross-sectional observational study was conducted among children attending outpatient
department of tertiary health care centre in Hyderabad. A total of 200 children were included between the age 2 and 6
years. The anthropometric measurements were taken, tabulated and placed appropriately for weight for age, height for age
and weight for height. Results: Among 200 Pre-school children Picky eating behaviour was observed in 54% children.
The study showed among the picky eaters group the height and weight for age was lower when compared to non- picky
eaters. When both picky and non- picky eaters, anthropometry were measured for association, Significance was observed
for weight for age (p=0.001), height for age (p=0.001) and weight for height (p=0.01) depicting picky eating behaviour
had an impact on growth of the child. Conclusion: Picky eating behaviour was observed in majority of preschool children.
The height, weight and BMI is lowered compared to non-picky eaters. Interventions like parent counseling is needed and
if needed medical intervention will be required.