Picky eating in hospital: new study explores why kids refuse food

NCT ID NCT06330025

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed study looked at 102 children aged 2 to 8 who were hospitalized for at least 48 hours. Researchers wanted to understand if food pickiness and neophobia (fear of new foods) affect how much children eat in the hospital. They also examined whether a child's family background plays a role. Parents filled out questionnaires about their child's eating habits, and the research team measured how much food the children actually ate from their hospital meal trays.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to
If successful, this research could help hospitals design better ways to support children's nutrition during stays, potentially reducing undernutrition and recovery time.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It measures factors but does not test any intervention, so it cannot directly improve outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for UNDERNUTRITION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant de Lyon

    Bron, Bron, 69677, France

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.