Nutritional problems and body mass index of Turkish children with autism

Asil, Esma; Uçar, Aslı; Tunay, Çağla Zeynep; Ayhan, Aynur Bütün

doi:10.1108/nfs-12-2021-0389

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 50 publications

(81 reference statements)

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“…As indicated by Healy and colleagues in 2017, the prevalence of an overweight or obese status among the ASD group was higher, with 22 children being overweight and obese (34.9%) compared with 18 children (24.7%) in the typical development group. Similar findings were reported by Asil et al (2022 ) in a Turkish study with almost half of the respondents between 2 and 12 age group were overweight/obese according to their BMI. Another case-control study in Iran also reported on higher BMI among autistic children as compared to control group, thus showing a consistent trend of this problem (Gholamalizadeh et al , 2021).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

The association of screen time with physical activity and weight status of autistic children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Rozaini

Sariman

Rashed

et al. 2022

NFS

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Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the screen time used by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children and its association with their physical activity and weight status. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 purposive sampled children registered under the National Autism Society of Malaysia centres in Kuala Lumpur. Parents-administered questionnaire composed of socio-demographic, anthropometric data (height and weight of the children), Autism Severity Questionnaire, Screen Time Questionnaire and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) was used in this study. Findings Respondents in this study were categorised as having mild ASD (55%). Most of the respondents had higher screen time (78%), with average (4.14 ± 3.19) h spent using the devices. The respondents had low physical activity level (54%), with average PAQ-C scores of (2.38 ± 0.79). Average BMI-for-age z-scores was 1.06 ± 2.15, which was in the normal category. Approximately, 34% of the respondents were overweight and obese. BMI-for-age was positively associated with screen time during weekdays (χ2 = 11.06; p < 0.05) but not during weekend (χ2 = 3.14; p > 0.05). Spearman correlation test showed negative relationships between screen time on weekdays (rs = −0.30 and p < 0.01) and weekend (rs = −0.21 and p < 0.05) with PAQ-C of this group of ASD children. Practical implications Screen time was directly associated with the BMI-for-age z-score but was inversely associated with physical activity. Future studies could implement a structured physical activity intervention among children with ASD, which may increase physical activity and decrease screen time behaviours while addressing the overweight/obesity and cognitive aspects of these ASD children. Originality/value This study measured the amount of screen time, level of physical activity and weight status but not dietary intake of autistic children.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

The association of screen time with physical activity and weight status of autistic children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Rozaini

Sariman

Rashed

et al. 2022

NFS

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The odds of having obesity in Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorders is higher than stunting compared to healthy developing peers: a national survey

M. Metwally,

A. Helmy,

Aboulghate

et al. 2024

BMC Pediatr

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Background The nutritional status and growth of children with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is influenced significantly by two factors; food selectivity behaviors due to their consumption of a limited variety of food and the high incidence of gastrointestinal (GIT) disorders. Aim This study aimed to assess the nutritional adequacy and growth pattern of ASD children aged three to twelve years compared to their healthy developing peers. Methods A national comparative, facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in eight Egyptian governorates on 285 Egyptian children diagnosed with ASD and 224 children who are their relatives as healthy developing peers. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, including weight, height, head circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and all numbers were plotted on WHO growth charts. Assessment of food preferences, and nutrient intake adequacy of children was done using the Food preference questionnaire, and the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) of Egyptian children. Results Calorie-dense food and sugar intake were higher among ASD children than their healthy developing peers. ASD children omit some important protein sources such as dairy (COR = 5.2, 95% CI:2.7–9.9), meat, and poultry (COR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.6–4.7), and a lower intake of fruits and vegetables than their healthy developing peers. For children with ASD in all age groups, a deficiency in the range of 50–60% was detected for vitamins (C, D, B6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin) and minerals (iron). A deficiency in the range of 60–70% was detected for folate and calcium. A deficiency of vitamin C calcium and iron was also detected for both children with ASD and their healthy developing relatives aged 6 to 12 years. GIT disorders were common among ASD children compared to healthy developing peers (COR = 2.8 to 10.3). Children with ASD had four-fold higher odds of stunting (COR = 4.1, CI: 1.7–10.1), threefold higher odds of being overweight (COR = 3.3, CI: 1.48–7.32), and nearly eleven-fold higher odds of obesity (COR = 11.4, CI: 4.05–32.17) compared to their healthy developing peers. Conclusion ASD children are prone to overweight and protein malnutrition. Their intake of fruits and vegetables is inadequate and hence their intake of vitamins and minerals is insufficient, contributing to stunting.

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Feeding Behaviors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Önal,

Uçar

2024

ESTÜDAM Halk Sağlığı Dergisi

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This study aimed to examine the rate of behavioral feeding problems in a sample of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to examine the relationship of feeding problems to child sex and parents feelings about strategies to cope. This was a cross-sectional study of children aged 6-15 years with ASD. The parents or caregivers of the children/adolescents with ASD completed the following: sociodemographic information, questions about nutrition, and the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) for assessing the child’s behavioral feeding problems and parents’ feelings. Height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI) percentiles. These percentiles for age and sex were used to define overweight and obesity (≥85th and ≥95th percentiles, respectively). The sample of the study consisted of 70 children with ASD (male: 49, female: 21), of which 45.8% were obese. The prevalence of obesity in the males with ASD was higher than that in the females with ASD. BPFAS scores were higher in the females than in the males for all frequencies (total score, total problem score, child total score, child problem, parent total score, and parent problem). BPFAS total score was higher in the underweight children group (especially in the females). This study demonstrated that problematic feeding behaviors in children with ASD may differ according to sex. Behavioral interventions should be developed according to differences in feeding behavior.

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Nutritional problems and body mass index of Turkish children with autism

Cited by 4 publications

References 50 publications

The association of screen time with physical activity and weight status of autistic children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The association of screen time with physical activity and weight status of autistic children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The odds of having obesity in Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorders is higher than stunting compared to healthy developing peers: a national survey

Feeding Behaviors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

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