The Impact of Food Neophobia and Caregivers’ Dietary Literacy on Picky Eating Behavior in Preschool Children

Abstract

Objective: To investigate picky eating behavior in preschool children, and explore the influence of food neophobia and caregiver’s dietary literacy on the picky eating behavior in preschool children, to provide the reference for the cultivation of healthy dietary behavior habits. Methods: A total of 218 parents of preschool children were surveyed using the dietary behavior scale, food neophobia scale and caregivers’ dietary literacy scale. ANOVA analysis and multiple linear regression were used to analysis the data. Results: The total scores of picky eating behavior in preschool children were 2.62±0.70, which was at a medium level. Family type, outdoor activity time,video time, caregiver’s dietary literacy and food neophobia were all independent influencing factors of picky eating behavior in preschool children (P<0.05). Conclusion: The picky eating behavior of preschool children is at a medium level. Different family types, outdoor activity time, video time, caregiver’s dietary literacy and food neophobia all affect the picky eating behavior of preschool children. In order to reduce picky eating behavior of preschool children, targeted measures should be formulated according to the influencing factors.