Correlation of Picky Eater Behavior to Protein and Fat Intake in Adequacy Pre-School Children

Abstract

Preschool children need nutrition adequacy for their fast growth stage. However, Picky eater behavior often happened in preschool children. This behavior will affect the type of food consumed become less varieties. If this condition happened continuously, it will affect adequacy of nutrient and nutritional status. This research aimed to analyze the correlation between Picky eater behavior with adequacy of proteins and fats in preschool children. This research was observational research with cross sectional research. Research population consisted of all students in PAUD Anggrek 1 Siwalankerto Surabaya with 73 subjects collected using simple random sampling technique that had been done in July 2018. Data were collected by interviews using questionnaire related to children characteristics, Picky eater behavior, and 2x24 hours food recalls. Data were analyzed using chi square statistic test. Result showed that most of preschool children experienced picky eating behavior (58,9%). Picky eating behavior were not determine adequacy of protein (p=0.400) and fat (p=0.086). Preschool children consume milk more than 3 times a day and parents give less variety of foods. Mother or caregiver should give more variety of foods periodically, so that preschool children know and easy to accept food, also decrease milk consumption. PAUD Anggrek 1 needs to give counseling cooperating with health center or university about handling picky eating behavior in appropriate way.