Intuitive Eating, Diet Quality, and Nutritional Status of Vulnerable Children Living Separated From Their Families: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Nutritional problems can be seen in children living separated from their families. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to evaluate intuitive eating, diet quality, and nutritional status of children living separated from their families. A total of 55 adolescent girls aged 12-18 years participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical data, and 24-h dietary recall data were collected. The Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) and the Turkish version of the Healthy Lifestyle-Diet (HLD-TR) index were used. Participants were divided into two groups according to their scores on the diet quality index using the 50th percentile. Group 1 consisted of participants with a score of 25 points or less, and Group 2 consisted of participants with a score above 25 points. Waist circumference (72.0 (66-83), 65.0 (60-77)) was significantly higher in Group 1 (P < 0.05). IES-2 score (3.05 (2.85-3.40), 3.30 (3.12-3.90)) and two sub-factors; reliance in hunger and satiety cues (2.80 (1.80-3.40), 4.00 (2.60-4.60)) and body-food choice congruence (2.50 (2.00-3.50), 3.50 (3.00-4.50)) were higher in Group 2 (P < 0.05). After adjustment for body mass index, age, and energy intake, there was a significant positive correlation between IES-2 and HLD-TR scores (P 5 0.029). In conclusion, it may be advantageous to resort to strategies that promote intuitive eating to reduce obesity and associated problems in this vulnerable group.