Food neophobia and its determinants among children aged 2–7 years: the role of maternal knowledge, attitudes and practices – a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Food neophobia, characterised by children’s reluctance to try diverse food varieties, is observed in childhood and can limit dietary variety, nutrient intake and growth. Understanding maternal influences can inform feeding practices in low- and middle-income settings. This study examined food neophobia and its association with maternal knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among children and explored its link with nutritional status in urban India. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Food neophobia was assessed using the Child Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS); maternal KAP and anthropometric indices (WHO standards) were assessed. Associations with CFNS scores were analysed using chi-square, t-tests and multivariable regression. 150 mother–child pairs aged 2–7 years participated in the study. The mean CFNS score was 27.4 ± 5.7, with higher scores indicating greater food neophobia. Food neophobia was classified as low (<mean − 1 SD), moderate (mean ±1 SD) or high (>mean + 1 SD). 12% showed low, 76.6% moderate and 11.3% high food neophobia. Males had significantly higher mean CFNS scores than females (28.4 ± 5.9 vs. 26.3 ± 5.7; p = 0.018) although the proportion of children in the low/moderate/high categories did not differ significantly by gender. Wasting was positively associated with higher food neophobia ( β = 5.81; 95% CI: 2.01–9.63; p = 0.003), and maternal KAP was inversely associated with CFNS scores ( β = –2.87; 95% CI: –5.13 to –0.61; p = 0.013). Food neophobia was common among preschoolers, highlighting need for caregiver-focused strategies to improve maternal KAP.