Investigating food rejection in hospitalized children to understand undernutrition risks

MEasuring and Overcoming Nutritional DIfficulties in Hospitalized Children

Observational Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT06330025

This study looks at how refusing food affects young children in the hospital to see if it leads to not getting enough nutrition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 8 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bron)
Trial IDNCT06330025 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on hospitalized children aged 2 to 8 years to explore how food rejection behaviors may contribute to undernutrition. With over 30% of hospitalized children affected by undernutrition, the study aims to identify specific food rejection dispositions that could lead to reduced food intake. By analyzing the eating habits of children during their hospital stay, the research seeks to uncover patterns that may help in diagnosing and addressing malnutrition more effectively. The study will include children who are hospitalized for at least 48 hours and do not have conditions that significantly impact their food consumption.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 2 to 8 years who are hospitalized for a minimum of 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions or treatments that significantly reduce food intake, such as severe organ failures or those in intensive care, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved nutritional interventions for hospitalized children, enhancing their recovery and overall health.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar studies specifically targeting food rejection in this age group, the issue of undernutrition in hospitalized children has been recognized, suggesting potential for impactful findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* child aged between 2 and 8 years (2 years ≤ age ≤ 8 years)
* child admitted to hospitalization for a minimum duration of 48 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* regularly hospitalized children who come for routine check-ups, thus having repeated exposures to hospital meals
* children with pathologies or treatments causing a significant reduction in their food consumption (perioperative fasting, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc.)
* children with brain injuries, post-traumatic disorders, sensory deficits, digestive pathologies, severe organ failures (respiratory, cardiac, hepatic, renal)
* children admitted to intensive care units

Where this trial is running

Bron

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions UndernutritionFood intakeHospitalizationChildrenFood rejectionFood neophobiaFood pickinessSocial inequalities
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.