The Relationship Between Picky Eating Behavior and the Frequency of Consumption of Cariogenic Foods and Beverages Among Preschool Children

Nadiah Shafa^1,2, R. Darmawan Setijanto¹, Dini Setyowati¹

Abstract

Picky eating behavior refers to a child’s tendency to select and reject certain types of food. This condition is commonly observed among preschool children, with a reported prevalence of 60.3% in Indonesia, and may influence a child’s food preferences and be associated with the frequency of consumption of cariogenic foods and beverages. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between picky eating and the frequency of consumption of cariogenic foods and beverages among preschool children in Kedungdoro Village, Surabaya. This study used a cross-sectional design involving 189 respondents. Data were collected using the Food Fussiness subscale of the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) and a modified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Data analysis was performed using the Spearman rank correlation test. The results showed a significant positive association between picky eating and the frequency of consumption of cariogenic foods and beverages (ρ = 0.181; p = 0.012), with a weak strength of association. In conclusion, children with a higher tendency toward picky eating tended to have a higher frequency of cariogenic food and beverage consumption. These findings highlight the importance of paying attention to children’s eating behaviors and food choices as part of efforts to establish healthier consumption patterns starting in preschool.

Keywords

picky eating; cariogenic diet; preschoolers; eating behavior

Cite This Article

Shafa, N., Setijanto, R. D., Setyowati, D. (2026). The Relationship Between Picky Eating Behavior and the Frequency of Consumption of Cariogenic Foods and Beverages Among Preschool Children. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026, Pages 829-834. URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Volume7-Issue5-Sep-Oct-No.1103-829-834.pdf

Volume 7 | Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026