Preschoolers BMI: Associations with Patterns of Caregivers' Feeding Practices Using Structural Equation Models.

ABSTRACT: Background: Childhood obesity is a major health concern. Caregivers' feeding practices are modifiable targets of obesity prevention. The study tested two hypotheses: (1) autonomy-promoting feeding practices are associated with lower BMI; and (2) diet mediates the association. We also explored examined whether feeding practices and BMI z-score (BMIz) associations are moderated by child sex, caregiver race, education, family poverty level, and food insecurity. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 437 preschoolers (44.4% girls, 38.2% Black/Other, mean age 48.1 months) and caregivers (90.2% female) from 50 child care centers. Feeding Practices were measured by Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire, child-size perception by preschooler silhouettes, temperament b

SUBMITTER: Rahmaty Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10122251 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature