Validation of the Child Feeding Questionnaire among Saudi pre-schoolers in Jeddah city

Abstract

Objective:To examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ-A) in a sample of Saudi pre-schoolers and their mothers.Design:Cross-sectional study. Mothers completed questionnaires over the telephone and child anthropometry was measured objectively using standardized procedures; BMI Z-scores (BMIZ) were calculated based on the age- and sex-specific WHO growth standards and reference data. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the original seven-factor CFQ model, as well as a modified nine-factor model. Cronbach’s α was calculated to examine the internal consistency of each factor; Spearman correlation was used to examine 2-week retest reliability. Factor–factor and factor–child BMIZ correlations were examined.Setting:Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Participants:A total of 209 mothers and children were recruited from eight different pre-schools.Results:Both the original seven-factor and modified nine-factor CFQ-A exhibited good fit (root-mean-square-error of approximation < 0·05). Six out of nine factors had excellent internal consistency and all factors showed excellent 2-week test–retest reliability. There were significant correlations between child BMIZ and five out of the nine factors; Perceived Child Weight, Perceived Parent Weight, Restriction and Monitoring were each positively correlated with child BMIZ, while Concern about Child’s Diet was negatively correlated with child BMIZ.Conclusions:The study provided evidence supporting the validity and reliability of the original seven-factor and modified nine-factor CFQ-A. Future studies are needed to further establish the psychometric properties of the CFQ-A in addition to other feeding assessment tools.

Parental feeding practices across child’s weight status: Evidence of the Italian validation of the Child Feeding Questionnaire

“…The CFQ has been translated and validated in several countries (i.e. (4,(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) ). As stated by Schmidt et al (20) , and empirically assessed by Somaraki et al (21) , parental feeding practices vary across cultures.…”

Changes in Feeding Behavior and Feeding Stress Among Mothers of Preschoolers Before and During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic

“…The Child Feeding Questionnaire-Arabic (CFQ-A) was used to assess MFB ( 2 , 6 ). The questionnaire was translated into Arabic and validated among 209 Saudi mothers of preschoolers ( 6 ).…”

“…The overall aim of this study was to examine changes in MFB and MFS among Saudi mothers before and during the pandemic by following up with a cohort of mothers who participated in a study assessing MFB and MFS shortly prior to the pandemic, and re-assessing these constructs after the onset of the pandemic and nation-wide lockdowns. Findings from the present study can help inform counselling strategies and interventions aiming to improve MFB and MFS during the novel coronavirus pandemic ( 21 ), which can help promote a healthier mealtime environment and improve child eating behaviors and dietary intake ( 6 ). Results may give insights regarding the effects of the pandemic and inform future programs for children who have experienced the pandemic during early childhood years ( 17 ).…”

“…Controlling/restrictive feeding behaviors are considered maladaptive behaviors, that have been previously associated with negative child outcomes, including elevated body mass index (BMI) and obesity proneness ( 2 , 4 , 5 ). However, responsive and supportive feeding behaviors, such as monitoring and perceived responsibility, are considered adaptive feeding behaviors ( 5 , 6 ).…”

“…Variations in maternal feeding behaviors and strategies may exist among cultures. Arab/Middle Eastern mothers residing in Saudi Arabia (SA) have shown greater monitoring, perceived responsibility, and restriction in feeding compared to mothers from other Asian and Western countries ( 6 ). Qualitative data obtained through one-on-one interviews showed that Saudi mothers tend to invest an ample amount of emotional and physical energy in order to get their preschoolers to eat; They have reported cooking special meals for their child, decorating their child's plate in an attempt to make food more appealing, and using rewards to encourage the child to eat ( 7 ).…”