Evaluation of young children’s dietary behaviors by parental growth concern levels in Gyeonggi area: a descriptive study

Objectives This study investigated differences in dietary habits, lifestyle patterns, and feeding-related developmental issues among Korean preschool children based on their parents’ levels of growth concern, and examined the associations between parental growth concern and children’s eating behaviors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with parents of children aged 1–5 years residing in Gyeonggi Province, Korea. Participants were classified into high, moderate, and low growth concern groups using the children’s dietary screening test. Data were collected on the children’s anthropometric status, lifestyle routines, dietary intake patterns, eating behaviors, and mealtime media exposure. Results Children in the high growth concern group showed a higher prevalence of underweight; irregular sleep and mealtime routines; and more frequent eating difficulties, including picky eating, slow eating, and oral processing problems. Mealtime media exposure was associated with lower fruit and vegetable intake and higher consumption of processed and sugar-rich foods. Higher parental growth concern did not correlate with healthier dietary or lifestyle outcomes. Conclusion Preschool children’s dietary behaviors and routines differed according to the parents’ levels of growth concern. Higher levels of parental concern were associated with increased feeding difficulties and greater mealtime media exposure. These findings suggest that excessive concern may contribute to maladaptive eating patterns in children. Evidence-based parental guidance and structured nutrition education are essential to promote healthy growth and eating behaviors during early childhood.