Análise do comportamento alimentar de crianças de dois a cinco anos

Abstract

Introduction: In the first years of life, it is essential that the child has a good diet in order to promote physical, motor, cognitive and intellectual development. The process of learning to eat depends on genetic, biological, psychological, sociocultural, family and environmental factors that can interfere with the development of healthy eating habits and behaviors. For most children, eating is one of the most pleasurable and routine moments, however some children may show signs of eating difficulties in childhood. Eating difficulties characterized by food refusal and selectivity behaviors affect approximately 20 to 35% of children with typical development. In children with neurodevelopmental delays or disorders, this prevalence is even higher, exceeding 80%. Therefore, it is important to analyze the risk factors and comorbidities associated with eating difficulties. Objective: To analyze the eating behaviors of children aged two to five years and 11 months treated at a reference child health care service within the Unified Health System. Methods: This is an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study. 113 children aged between two years and five years and 11 months registered with the SUS in the city of Itaguara, Minas Gerais, participated. The sample characterization questionnaire, EBAI Scale, CCEB, CARS Scale and AMIOFE protocol were applied. Interviews were carried out with families and children were assessed to apply the scales and protocols. The descriptive analysis of the data was carried out using the frequency distribution of categorical variables and association using the Pearson chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05) and multivariate logistic regression (VIF) < 10.00 and > 0.1. Results: A tendency was observed for two and three year old children to have eating difficulties. Furthermore, premature children and those with signs of ASD were more likely to have feeding difficulties. Children with eating difficulties demonstrated greater difficulty during the food introduction process, feeding difficulties in the first two years of life and more signs of sensory changes. No association was found between feeding difficulties and stomatognathic functions. Conclusion: Children with ASD are at greater risk of experiencing eating difficulties. Aspects such as: prematurity, difficulties in introducing food, eating difficulties up to two years of age and signs of sensory discomfort are risk factors for eating difficulties in childhood.