Picky Eating Behavior and Incidence of Malnutrition Among Children Aged 2-5 years in Blora, Indonesia: A Case-Control Study

Background: Malnutrition is a deficiency of nutrients due to inadequate energy intake. Picky eating behavior in children could be a cause of malnutrition, but previous studies’ results were still inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the relationship between picky eating behavior and malnutrition among children aged 2-5 years. Methods: This case-control study involved 70 children aged 2-5 years in Kutukan Village, Randublatung District, Blora Regency. Malnutrition was defined as a weight-for-age Z score <-2.0 SD based on the WHO classification. Child eating behavior was evaluated using the Child’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), identifying picky eaters if the food avoidance score surpassed the food approach score. Data analysis employed the Chi-Square test. Results: Boys experienced more malnutrition, with 20 (57.1%) affected, and the most affected age group was 24-35 months, with 19 (54.3%). Questionnaire processing revealed that the number of picky-eater children in the malnutrition group was 33 (94.3%), while in the non-malnutrition group, there were 31 (88.6%). Bivariate analysis showed no relationship between picky eating behavior and malnutrition in children aged 2-5 years (p=0.673; CI 95%=0.364-12.459).Conclusion: This study found no significant relationship between picky eating and malnutrition in children aged 2-5 years.