Feeding neophobia and current feeding problems – a cross-sectional study among Polish children aged 2–7 years

Introduction
The main aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of food neophobia using the standardised food neophobia of children scale (FNSC) questionnaire in a group of Polish children attending nurseries and kindergartens.

Material and methods
The study was carried out using a survey method. The questionnaire was distributed to randomly selected nurseries and kindergartens. The period in which we conducted the above survey was January – March 2023. A total of 585 pairs of mothers and their children participated in the survey. A standardised questionnaire assessing food neophobia among children was used to assess food neophobia FNSC. A score below 27 indicated a low risk of neophobia, 28–40 an intermediate risk, and a score above 41 was a high risk.

Results
In the study group, 171 children (29.23%) had a low risk of food neophobia, 182 children (31.11%) had a medium risk, and 232 children (39.66%) had a high risk. There were no differences in the risk of food neophobia between girls and boys (p = 0.907), between children’s weight (p = 0.776), or between place of residence (p = 0.095). There was a statistically significant difference between age and in the risk of food neophobia (p = 0.0002).

Conclusions
In the study group, 40% of the children had a high risk of food neophobia. Food neophobia was highest among 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds. There were no differences between girls and boys and the prevalence of food neophobia. Among children with a higher risk of food neophobia, feeding problems such as playing while eating meals, fussing at meals, and picky eating were more common.