Maternal feeding practices in early childhood: relations with late childhood food and nutrition literacy in the GUSTO Study.

Background

Food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) are skills and knowledge that empower individuals to make informed food choices for better health. However, data on multi-ethnic Asian children is limited.

Objective

This study aims to characterize FNLIT among 11-year-old children and examine associations with maternal feeding practices during early childhood.

Methods

FNLIT levels of 11-year-old children in the GUSTO cohort study were assessed using a self-administered modified FNLIT questionnaire. Scores ranging from 1 to 100 were categorised into tertiles. Maternal feeding practices at age 5 years and sociodemographic data were ascertained through interviews. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression examined associations with high, moderate and low total FNLIT levels, along with cognitive and skills domains.

Results

The healthy food environment [RRR=1.62 (95% CI, 1.09-2.40)] and teaching about nutrition [2.07 (1.34-3.20)] practices were associated with higher likelihood of high total FNLIT compared to low total FNLIT. 'Giving child greater control' was associated with lower likelihood of moderate [0.58 (0.38-0.90)] and high [0.46 (0.30-0.73)] FNLIT. Restriction for weight control, restriction for health and pressure to eat were not associated with total FNLIT but showed domain specific associations with cognitive FNLIT.

Conclusion

Positive feeding practices in early childhood such as environment and teaching about nutrition are associated with higher FNLIT. Promoting these practices may enhance food and nutrition literacy of older children and support healthier dietary behaviours into adulthood.