Prenatal and perinatal risk factors for feeding and eating disorders in children: A population-based linked cohort study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal effects of prenatal and perinatal risk factors on the development of feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) in children. Methods: A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from 223,068 mother-child pairs born between 2003 and 2005 in New South Wales, Australia. Offspring were followed for up to 15 years, until 2018. FEDs in children were identified using the Australian version of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10-AM) codes. Logistic regression models were employed to identify predictors of FEDs in children. Results: A total of 435 children (0.2 %) were diagnosed with FEDs. The multivariable analysis identified both maternal and child-related factors significantly associated with FEDs in children. Maternal factors included advanced age (over 35 years) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.36, 95 % CI = 1.03-1.79), high socio-economic status (AOR = 1.44, 95 % CI = 1.09-1.91), and perinatal anxiety disorder (AOR = 1.95, 95 % CI = 1.15-3.31). For children, being female (AOR = 3.35, 95 % CI = 2.69-4.17), having low birth weight (AOR = 1.60, 95 % CI = 1.10-2.52), and low Apgar scores were associated with a higher risk of FEDs (AOR = 2.55, 95 % CI = 1.46-4.53). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the association between several prenatal and perinatal factors and an increased risk of FEDs in children. These results underscore the critical need for monitoring and addressing modifiable risk factors during the prenatal and perinatal periods to mitigate their potential adverse effects on children's health.