Volume 26, Issue 129, November 2022

Autism children dietary habits in Hail, Saudi Arabia: A parents’ survey

Albandri Abdullah Bin Ammar^♦, Sarah Saud Almuhaini

Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Saudi Arabia

^♦Corresponding author
Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Background: Developmental disabilities like autism are brought on by variations in the brain. Confined or repetitive habits or interests, as well as social engagement and communication, are common struggles for people with autism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary habits of autistic children in Hail, Saudi Arabia: A parents' survey. Methodology: This is a cross sectional descriptive observational study conducted at Tawasol Medical Centre for Autism in Hail, Saudi Arabia. About 80 autistic children and their parents were enrolled in the study to analyze the children's food habits based on parental confession. During the months of March and April 2022, data were collected from two Tawasol Medical Centres for Autism and one Hdka Medical Centre for Autism. Results: There were 67.5% boys and 32.5% girls among the 80 children, for a male: Female ratio of 2.07:1.00. Constipation and Bulges is the most common Child digestive ailment, followed by both (Constipation, Bulges) and (Diarrhea, Diarrhea and Bulges), accounting for 29%, 24%, and 11%, respectively. Most children "cry or scream at mealtimes" on occasion (38%), followed by frequently (28%). The probability of female children constantly "crying or screaming at mealtimes" is 2.4231 (0.9049 to 6.4884), P = 0.0782. Conclusion: Autism is frequent in Saudi Arabia, with a male to female ratio that is lower than worldwide recorded ratios. Various gastrointestinal issues exist among Saudi autistic children, necessitating specific instructions. Many autistic children have unfavorable behavioral and dietary habits, necessitating community level interventions.

Keywords: Autism, Saudi Arabia, dietary habits, nutrient, children

Medical Science, 2022, 26, ms489e2563

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v26i129/ms489e2563

Published: 24 November 2022