J Nutr Health.  2019 Dec;52(6):604-617. 10.4163/jnh.2019.52.6.604.

Analysis of the types of eating behavior affecting the nutrition of preschool children: using the Dietary Behavior Test (DBT) and the Nutrition Quotient (NQ)

• Sim HM
• Han Y
• Lee KA

• KMID: 2466674
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2019.52.6.604

Abstract

PURPOSE
To investigate the effect of eating behavior on nutritional status according to temperament type.
METHODS
One thousand one hundred three preschool children aged 2 to 6 years in Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do from April to June 2018 were surveyed about their eating behavior and nutritional status using DBT (Dietary Behavior Test) and NQ (Nutrition Quotient) which are proven tests. The dietary behaviors of the children were classified into four categories: approach avoidance, sensory sensitivity, hyperactivity, and irregularity. NQ scores were divided into five categories: balance, diversity, moderation, regularity, and practice.
RESULTS
The mean of the children's age was 3.42 ± 1.4 (596 boys and 507 girls). The percentage distribution of the NQ grade was as follows: 5.5% (highest), 12.5% (high), 47.1% (medium), 22.2% (low), and 12.6% (lowest). The risk group of approach avoidance and sensory sensitivity had significantly (p < 0.001) lower scores than the normal group in balance factor (51.9 ± 12.0 vs. 57.8 ± 15.9 in approach avoidance type, 52.6 ± 17.6 vs. 57.7 ± 15.9 in sensory sensitivity type) and diversity factor (32.5 ± 24.4 vs. 50.1 ± 22.4 in approach avoidance type, and 32.5 ± 24.0 vs. 50.7 ± 22.2 in sensory sensitivity type). The scores of the hyperactivity risk group were significantly lower in moderation factor (78.2 ± 12.1 vs. 81.2 ± 11.9), and those of the irregular risk group were significantly lower in variety (35.9 ± 24.5 vs. 48.8 ± 23.2), regularity (57.6 ± 37.1 vs. 66.1 ± 17.6), and practice (57.1 ± 19.4 vs. 65.1 ± 22.5) factors than the normal group (p < 0.001). Especially, the risk group of approach avoidance and sensitivity type had significantly (p < 0.001) lower intakes of whole grain, fruit, bean and bean products, vegetables, and Kimchi.
CONCLUSION
This present study suggested that the eating behavior based on temperament of demanding preschool children affected food choice resulting in food consumption diversity of children. Therefore, it is important to provide customized nutrition education programs based on temperament type.

Keyword

dietary behaving test; nutrition quotient; eating behavior; preschool children

MeSH Terms

Behavior Rating Scale*
Child
Child, Preschool*
Eating*
Education
Feeding Behavior*
Fruit
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Humans
Nutritional Status
Temperament
Vegetables
Whole Grains

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 NQ Score according to the risk of eating behavior by type of eating behavior (Comparison of balance, diversity, Moderation, Regularity, and Practice score between normal and risk group). ***p < 0.001.

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