Abstract

Field and aim: One of the factors that effects on children’s weight and health status is their eating behavior. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare eating behaviors in hyperactive – attention deficit children with healthy children in Kerman.
Method: The investigated population in this study was 80 children including 40 healthy children and 40 hyperactive – attention deficit children that their weight, height, body mass index and information related to their eating behaviors were measured and recorded in children by using food behaviors questionnaire.
Results: Mean body mass index in the whole population was 16.9 ± 3.7 Kg/m² that was 17.48 ± 4.05 in hyperactive – attention deficit children and 15.96 ± 3.29 in healthy children. There was a significant relationship between body mass index and the presence of this disorder in the investigated children, so that, the mean body mass index was higher in children with this disorder. Weight loss prevalence in the whole investigated population was 19.5% that 7.3% was related to hyperactive children and 12.2% healthy children. Overweight prevalence in the whole population was 12.2% that 6.1% was related to both hyperactive – attention deficit and healthy children. Obesity prevalence was 17.1% in the whole population that 13.4% of it was related to hyperactive children and 3.7% of it to healthy children. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding eating behaviors, moderate eating behavior in hyperactive – lack of concentration children, fast eating behavior, low eating in fatigue time and activity rate. There was no significant difference between eating behaviors and weight indices.
Discussion and conclusion: Considering that the specific dietary and eating behaviors were higher in obese and low weight children with significant difference, investigating eating behaviors in children with deviations from normal weight and BMI must be a part of the comprehensive assessment and treatment program for such children to prevent its negative consequences on health in the next period of life by intervening in a timely manner.

Keywords: Hyperactivity-disorientation; Eating behavior; Body mass index; Obesity