# A Preliminary Single-Centre Study on the Risk Factors Associated with Persistent Feeding Disorders in Children

## TL;DR

This study identifies risk factors for persistent feeding disorders in children, finding that early dietary diversity and milk-related issues are linked to better outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into risk factors for persistent feeding disorders in children through a longitudinal analysis.

## Key findings

- Children who consumed varied food consistencies by age one had better outcomes.
- Feeding disorders related to milk were more common in children with better prognoses.
- Persistent feeding disorders were associated with higher rates of wasting at follow-up.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The epidemiology of childhood feeding disorders (PFDs) reveals a significant prevalence. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for the persistence of PFDs. The study considered psychosocial and biological factors. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed at two time points (Stage I and II); the mean interval was three years. The study included 56 children hospitalised between 2013 and 2023. Participants were divided into Group A (n = 39) and Group B (n = 17). Group A included children whose feeding disorders persisted until Stage II, while Group B included children whose symptoms of feeding disorders were no longer noted at Stage II. The mean age of children in Stage I was 4.5 ± 4.3 years in Group A and 6.25 ± 6.1 years in Group B. In Stage II, the mean age was 7.76 ± 5.3 years in Group A and 9.4 ± 6.7 years in Group B. Results: In Stage I (Groups A + B), 22 (39.29%) children refused to eat all foods, 26 (46.43%) consumed fewer foods than in the previous period, 19 (33.93%) ate only at night, and 12 (21.43%) consumed only selected food. A significant difference in the prevalence of wasting was noted at Stage II (Group A n = 19, 48.7% vs. Group B n = 3, 17.6%, p = 0.029). Feeding difficulties were found to start during exclusive breastfeeding in 28.6% in Group B but only in 10.8% in Group A. Feeding disorders concerning foods other than milk were significantly more common in Group A (n = 31; 83.8%) than Group B (n = 6; 42.9%; p = 0.011). At the end of one year of age, foods of all consistencies were consumed more often by children in Group B (n = 9; 64.3% vs. n = 10; 27%; p = 0.036). Conclusions: Children with feeding disorders comprise a heterogeneous group of patients. Those who only present feeding disorders associated with the consumption of milk and who consume foods of different consistencies by the end of one year of age demonstrate a better prognosis.