The Impact of the Age of Independent Eating Initiation on Preschool Children's Fine Motor Development: A Case-Control Study

Putu Erna Sintya Wati; Sayu Aryantari Putri Thanaya; Ni Komang Ayu Juni Antari; I Putu Gde Surya Adhitya

doi:10.24843/mifi.000000443

Authors

Putu Erna Sintya Wati Undergraduate and Professional Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia Author
Sayu Aryantari Putri Thanaya Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University Author
Ni Komang Ayu Juni Antari Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University Author
I Putu Gde Surya Adhitya Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/mifi.000000443

Keywords:

preschool children, independent eating, fine motor skills, age of independent eating initiation

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Independent eating requires optimal fine motor development, including hand coordination, chewing, and swallowing. However, research on how the age of independent eating initiation affects fine motor development remains limited. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the age of independent eating initiation and fine motor development in preschool children.

Methods: The sample consisted of 135 preschool children (45 cases and 90 controls) from five kindergartens in Pemecutan. Cases were defined as children with fine motor impairments based on the Denver II test, while controls were children with normal fine motor development. Information on the age at which children started eating independently was obtained through a parent-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression to control for confounding variables.

Results: Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated a significant association between the age of independent eating initiation and fine motor development. After adjusting for confounding variables, compared to children who started eating independently at 0–12 months, the likelihood of fine motor impairment increased significantly with a later age of independent eating initiation: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.51 (p = 0.038) at 13–24 months, AOR = 13.77 (p = 0.000) at 25–36 months, and AOR = 17.35 (p = 0.000) at >36 months.