Parents and Physicians Perception of Children`s Eating Behavior and Actual Body Mass index in Pediatric Ambulatory Setting -Qatar

Background and Aims: Eating behavior in children’s considered part of their growth and development; one those behaviors is picky eater. Our aim is to explore and compare parents and physcinics perception of child picky eater and to determine the correlations between their attitude and actual child BMI

Methods: A cross sectional retrospective study done at Hamad Medical Corporation in general pediatrics clinics. Survey include details of demographic, questions to explore perception of picky eater among parents and physicians, compare relation between truly parents concern and the physicians evaluation for the kids regarding feeding habits and how it is affecting the children growth

Results: A total of (136) questionnaire analyzed; mean age of children’s 5 years old. (75%) of mothers were responsible for feeding and scheduling meals. (58%) of Parents considering their children as picky eater and have concerns on their growth, poor appetite and not getting optimal vitamins from meals compere to physician`s concern (43%) p value (0.005). family concern matched low BMI among children’s (BMI

Conclusion: Our study showed that parents are more likely to identify their children as being Picky eater than physicians, there was a good correlation between parent`s perception and their child’s actual BMI.Both group shared same concerns regarding picky eater behaviors. Understanding family dynamics and mealtime interactions will help in improving parenting feeding styles