ASSESSEMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS, MEALTIME BEHAVIOUR AND DIETARY INTAKE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISM

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status of autistic children and adolescents at various Autism centres in Kathmandu valley, Nepal. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 104 autistic children and adolescents aged two to fifteen years old. Data were collected by using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire to obtain information on socio-economic and demographic characteristics, child characteristics, child caring practices, health and immunization practices, maternal characteristics, mealtime behaviour, gastrointestinal disorders and nutrient intake. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, MUAC) were used to determine if the children were underweight, stunted, thin, overweight or obese based on WHO reference. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and WHO Anthro 3.2.2 version. The Chi-square test and the Fischer exact test were used to test the significant association between various factors of malnutrition. The study revealed that overall 4.8% and 9.6% of participants with autism were moderately underweight and moderately stunted respectively. Moreover, 5.8% of autistic children were found to be moderately thin, 14.4% were found to be overweight, 5.8% were obese and 1.9% were severely obese. Significant associations between underweight and the mother's education level, birth weight, age at first pregnancy, the child's turning his/her face or body away from food, the consumption of processed foods, energy intake, and fat intake were found. Findings showed that age at first pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, processed food, calorie and fat intake, and consumption of processed food were all substantially connected with stunting. The child’s age, child closing his/her mouth tightly when food is presented, acceptance of or like a variety of meals, consumption of processed foods, and calorie intake were all strongly associated with thinness/obesity in children