Prevalence and influence factors of eating behavior problems among small children in Lanzhou city

ObjectiveTo explore prevalence and influence factors of eating behavior problems among small children aged 7 months—3 years in Lanzhou city.MethodsUsing cluster random sampling,4 389 small children at the ages of 7 months—3 years in Lanzhou city were selected to answer a questionnaire by their parents about general information,eating behaviors and feeding behaviors of the caregivers.ResultsThe prevalence rate of eating behavior problems was 67.62% among the children,with the highest prevalence rate among those of 2-3 years old and the most prevalent eating behavior problem of bad eating habits.Of the caregivers of the children,80.9% did not took correct measures to cope with the eating problems of the children.The results of logistic analyses showed that the children with the parents having inappropriate eating behavior themselves,low education,and low income had more eating behavior problems.Preterm infants,infants with low birth weight had more eating behavior problems.ConclusionHigh prevalence of eating problem exists among the children of 7 months-3 years old in Lanzhou city and early behavior intervention should be conducted by clinicians.