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Problematic behaviors at mealtimes and the nutritional status of Brazilian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Source :
- Frontiers in Public Health, Vol 12 (2024)
- Publication Year :
- 2024
- Publisher :
- Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.
-
Abstract
- ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore problematic behaviors and their association with the food consumption and nutritional status of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study which enrolled 90 Brazilian children (aged 2–10 years) with ASD. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the ASD Eating Behavior Assessment Scale, and the 24-h recall were used. Age, height, total body weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were accessed to estimate nutritional status (BMI/Age). Consumption of fruits, vegetables, total calories, macro and micronutrients (calcium, iron, zinc, omega 3 and omega 6), and Body Mass Index (BMI) were assessed. The regression models were adjusted for covariates (prevalence ratio – PR, α = 0.05).ResultsAll studied children presented problematic behaviors at mealtimes, with a predominance of food selectivity (57.8%), followed by changes in mealtime skills (34.4%), changes in masticatory motor skills (25.6%), oppositional eating behaviors (20.4%), and rigid eating behaviors (20.0%). Food selectivity was associated with excess body weight (PR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.08–3.51) and absence of vegetable consumption (PR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46–0.81). Rigid eating behaviors was associated with low consumption of fiber (PR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.15–1.75) and zinc (PR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.33–3.45), and with excessive caloric (PR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.29) and lower calcium intake (PR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29–0.91).ConclusionSelectivity and rigidity behaviors have different relationships with food consumption and are associated with a higher prevalence of inadequacies, which may lead to nutritional risks for children. Further studies may investigate the influence of problematic behaviors and excess body weight in ASD.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 22962565
- Volume :
- 12
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Frontiers in Public Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.61d98cde0be0409c9c7f186bef0d98c6
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1392478