Nutritional Status and Food Neophobia Among Children and Adolescents Assisted by a Non-Governmental Organization

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20435/pssa.v16i1.2477

Keywords:

child, adolescent, nutritional status, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, organizations

Abstract

Introduction: food neophobia consists of resistance to trying new or different foods, which can lead to malnutrition, especially in childhood and adolescence. Aim: To analyze the nutritional status and the presence of food neophobia in children and adolescents assisted by a non-governmental organization. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out with 80 children and adolescents aged between 5 and 14 years. Guarantees were used to investigate the socioeconomic and health profile, food consumption and anthropometric measurements. The level of neophobia was measured by the Food Neophobia Scale. Student's t and Chi-Square tests were applied with a significance level of 5%. Results: Females accounted for 51.2% of the studied population and the mean age was 8.4 (± 2.31) years. The prevalence of overweight was 38.7%, of which 33.7% had food neophobia. The dietary pattern shows the significant presence of ultra-processed foods and low consumption of vegetables and fruits. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed a considerable percentage of overweight children and a significant presence of food neophobia. Thus, it becomes relevant to implement effective food and nutrition education actions with the aim of encouraging the promotion of adequate and healthy eating habits from childhood onwards.

Author Biographies

Débora Vasconcelos Bastos Marques, Universidade Estadual de Minas Gerais (UEMG)

PhD in Biosciences Applied to Health from the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG). Master in Biotechnology applied to Health from the University of Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP-SP). Graduated in Nutrition from UNIFAL-MG. Professor at the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG).

Eliane Garcia Rezende, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG)

PhD in Social Sciences from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP). Master in Epidemiology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG-MG). Graduated in Nutrition and Biochemical Pharmacy from the Federal University of Ouro Preto. Associate professor at the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG).

Ana Clara da Cruz Della Torre, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)

Master in Nutrition and Health from the Federal University of Lavras. Graduated in Nutrition from the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG). Nutritionist at University of Campinas (UNICAMP).

Thaiany Goulart de Souza e Silva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)

Doctor in Cell Biology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG-MG). Master in Biological Sciences from UFMG-MG. Graduated in Nutrition from the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG).

Ana Paula Gonçalves, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG)

Graduated in Nutrition from the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG). Clinical Nutritionist at Hospital Santa Lucia Poços de Caldas.

Lucas André da Silva, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG)

Graduated in Nutrition from the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG). Clinical nutritionist in an outpatient clinic.

Maysa Helena de Aguiar Toloni, Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA)

PhD and Master in Pediatrics from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP-SP). Graduated in Nutrition from the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG). Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences/Department of Nutrition and the Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA-MG).

Daniela Braga Lima, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG)

PhD in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP-SP).  Master in Nutrition Science from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV-MG). Graduated in Nutrition from the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP-MG). Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Nutrition at the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), in the undergraduate course in Nutrition and in the Multiprofessional Residency in Family Health.

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Published

2025-02-05

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Marques, D. V. B. ., Rezende, E. G. ., Torre, A. C. da C. D. ., Silva, T. G. de S. e, Gonçalves, A. P. ., da Silva, L. A., Toloni, M. H. de A., & Lima, D. B. . (2025). Nutritional Status and Food Neophobia Among Children and Adolescents Assisted by a Non-Governmental Organization. Revista Psicologia E Saúde, 16(2), e16402477. https://doi.org/10.20435/pssa.v16i1.2477

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v. 16, jan./dez. 2024

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