Résumé:
The purpose of this paper is to study the neophobia and food preferences of children aged
6 to 10 years old in the commune of Constantine. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1202 children enrolled in primary schools in the municipality of Constantine. 15 schools were selected by two-stage cluster sampling. The survey is conducted on the basis of a self-administered questionnaire for mothers. Our results reveal that the intensity of food neophobia is low in children aged 6 to 10 years. Mothers report that 71% of children are neophobic, of whom flexible neophobia is the most common. Age and sex have no effect on neophobic temperament. We found that children, who live in a family with 4 children, have a neophobic temperament less intense than those who live in a family with limited number of children. Rank in siblings, educational level of parents and income have no effect on food neophobia. Breastfeeding has a protective and durable effect on food neophobia, however, the age of food introduction has no effect. Neophobic children had difficulty accepting the first introduction of different types of food. The mother plays an important role in the development of food neophobia. The more neophobic the mother is, the more neophobic her child is. The use of restriction and pressure increases the intensity of neophobic temperament of the child. However, the food reward is not related to the development of this fear. Children whose mothers express disgust are more neophobic than those whose mothers do not. Our results reveal that food neophobia is linked to food selectivity. We found that children who rarely eat lunch are more neophobic than those who take it often. The context of food intake is associated with child neophobia. Neophobic children usually eat alone, in front of the television, and have different meals from other family members. In this study, child participation in food-related activities has no effect on food neophobia. The results of food preferences reveal that the more neophobic the child is, the more restricted his or her food repertoire. Neophobia and food selectivity induce a decrease in the number of foods that are appreciated. No correlation was found between preferences and the use of restriction, pressure and reward. Within the family, the mother is the primary caregiver, her dietary practices and habits, and her attitudes towards food can help children overcome food reluctance.
