Prevalence and Determinants of Food Neophobia among Children Aged 2–7 Years: A Cross-sectional Study in Mysuru

Introduction: Food neophobia, the reluctance to try unfamiliar foods, is a natural developmental behavior in children but can lead to long-term dietary imbalances if persistent. Indian data on its prevalence and determinants remain limited. This study aims to assess the prevalence of food neophobia in children aged 2–7 years in Mysuru and to identify demographic, anthropometric, and feeding-related factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 physically healthy, developmentally normal children aged 2–7 years, selected from pediatric outpatient departments of urban/rural primary health centers in Mysuru. Data on sociodemographic details, anthropometrics, birth history, breastfeeding practices, complementary feeding, and feeding-related challenges were collected through structured parent interviews. The validated food neophobia scale–children (FNSC) was used to categorize children into low (40) risk of food neophobia. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and associations were tested using the Chi-square test. Results: Mean age was 4.17 ± 1.53 years, mean FNSC score 32.30 ± 10.85. Prevalence of low, moderate, and high food neophobia risk was 45.4%, 46.9%, and 7.7%, respectively. Significant associations were found with socioeconomic status, body mass index, mother’s education, NICU admission, mode of delivery, breastfeeding duration, exclusive breastfeeding period, timing and type of complementary feeding, problems during food introduction, feeding difficulties, and timing of nut and cow’s milk introduction. Conclusion: Food neophobia is prevalent among children in Mysuru, with multiple early-life feeding practices influencing risk. Early, varied, and texture-rich complementary feeding, coupled with parental guidance, may help reduce neophobia prevalence.