Longitudinal correlates of the persistence of irregular eating from age 5 to 14 years

Aim: To report the stability of parent-perceived child irregular eating from 6 months to 14 years of age and to investigate a predictive model inclusive of child and parent factors. Methods: Of the 7223 singleton children in a birth cohort, 5122 children were re-interviewed at 5 years and 4554 for the 14-year analysis. Information was obtained from structured interviews including questions answered by parents of the child at birth, 6 months, 5 years and 14 years; and by teenagers at age 14 years and from physical measures of the child. The mother's perception that the child was an irregular eater at age 14 years was the major outcome variable of interest. Results: Approximately 40% of irregular eaters at age 5 will still be irregular eaters at age 14 years. This was not related to maternal education or socio-economic class. Significant at multivariate analysis were infant feeding problems and the children's ability to regulate their sleep and mood. Significant maternal factors were greater age, not feeling positive about the baby and persistent maternal anxiety during the child's early years. Conclusion: Irregular eating behaviour displays considerable continuity from childhood to mid-adolescence. Independent contributions to this behavioural phenotype include child biological and psychological factors and maternal anxiety during the child's early years.