Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41599970›Full record

ArticleNutrients2026

Investigation of Feeding Problems and Their Associated Factors in Children with Developmental Disabilities in Saudi Arabia.

Walaa Abdullah Mumena, Sara Zaher, Maha Althowebi, Manar Alharbi, Reuof Alharbi, Maram Aloufi, Najlaa Alqurashi, Rana Qadhi, Sawsan Faqeeh, Arwa Alnezari and 2 more

Abstract read
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In one paragraph

Article in Nutrients, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Walaa Abdullah MumenaClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.ORCID 0000-0003-4007-0006
Sara ZaherClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.ORCID 0000-0002-7478-0113
Maha AlthowebiClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.ORCID 0009-0006-2792-0394
Manar AlharbiClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.
Reuof AlharbiClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.
Maram AloufiClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.
Najlaa AlqurashiClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.
Rana QadhiClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.
Sawsan FaqeehClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.
Arwa AlnezariClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.
Ghadi A AljohaniClinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia.
Hebah Alawi KutbiDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.ORCID 0000-0002-2687-2515

Funding

Taibah University, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 447-15-1088
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesChildren with developmental disabilities (DD) may experience feeding problems that increase their risk of malnourishment. However, data concerning factors linked to feeding problems in children with DD are lacking. The present study aimed to investigate feeding problems and their associated factors in children with DD who are fed orally. This cross-sectional study included data from 160 children with DD aged 2-18 years, recruited from 9 disability centers and schools located in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

methodsA total of 666 envelopes were distributed randomly to children to take home. Caregivers were asked to provide sociodemographic, health, and nutrition information. Feeding problems were assessed using a validated screening tool for eating/feeding problems (STEP-AR), which included 17 items divided into 5 subdomains (Aspiration risk, Food refusal, Food selectivity, Nutrition behaviors, and Skill). Phone interviews were conducted with caregivers within two weeks of data collection for dietary assessment.

resultsThe most frequently reported feeding problems involved feeding skills and food selectivity, with 39.3% unable to feed themselves, 33.1% showing overeating behavior, and 31.2% exhibiting pica-like behavior. Chewing difficulties (28.7%), limited food intake (25.6%), and swallowing challenges (21.2%) were moderately reported, while aspiration-related problems were less common. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant positive associations between feeding problems and caregiver education level, family income, caregiver's relationship to the child, and the child's living arrangement. Dietary intake was not associated with feeding problems.

conclusionsThe findings of this study indicate a range of feeding problems and key sociodemographic factors associated with feeding problems in children with DD. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions such as behavioral support and caregiver education to effectively address and manage feeding challenges in children.

Indexed as

Developmental DisabilitiesFeeding and Eating DisordersFeeding BehaviorAdolescentChildChild, PreschoolCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleNutritional StatusRisk FactorsSaudi Arabiachildrendevelopmental disabilitiesdietfeeding problemsSaudi Arabia

Identifiers

PMID41599970
PMCPMC12844803

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