Identifying and evaluating factors related to feeding disorders in children using the path analysis method

Introduction
Pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) refer to the impaired consumption of food that is inappropriate for a child’s age group. Understanding the causes and influencing factors of PFDs is crucial for managing these disorders.

Aim
This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with PFDs using the path analysis method.

Material and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 children aged 6 months to 18 years who visited gastroenterology and child nutrition clinics. Data were collected through interviews with mothers and physicians, and analyzed using the path analysis method. The model included latent variables such as feeding disorders and birth status, as well as observed variables such as socio-economic status, food group, feeding practices, destructive behaviors, sleep, and body mass index (BMI) z-score.

Results
We conducted three path analyses. The socio-economic status (SES) directly and indirectly plays a role in feeding disorders in children; the total effect on feeding disorders was positive (β= 0.075). The direct effect of SES on the intake of food groups was positive (β = 0.190), on BMI z-score was positive (β = 0.100), and it was generally associated with a negative effect on feeding disorders (β = –0.05). The total effect of destructive behaviors on body mass was negative (β = 0.262) and on feeding disorders was positive (β = –0.041). Children who had regular sleep had significantly fewer feeding disorders (total effect: –0.369).

Conclusions
Socio-economic status, destructive behaviors, sleep, and BMI were found to be factors influencing eating disorders in children.