Caregiver feeding styles and their effect on behaviour and activity of a cohort of preschool children in 4 selected schools in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Parental feeding styles (authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent and uninvolved) are varied. Some styles may have adverse effects on child behaviour. In Sri Lanka, we do not have information on parental feeding patterns. Objectives: To describe caregiver feeding styles in 4 selected schools in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka and to investigate the relationship between caregiver feeding styles and child behaviour. Method: This was a cross sectional survey based on validated questionnaires (Child behaviour questionnaire and Caregiver's feeding styles questionnaire). Main caregivers of preschool children between 3-5 years were recruited. Results: Most (82%) caregivers employ authoritarian feeding styles with more rules and control but less responsive to child's needs. Authoritative behaviour exhibit better child behaviour compared to other types of feeding styles. Conclusions: In this study in 4 selected schools, 82% caregivers employed authoritarian feeding styles with less response to child's needs. Further, parents with authoritative feeding style exhibited better child behaviour compared to other feeding styles.