Eating habits and eating behaviors by family dinner frequency in the lower-grade elementary school students

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Recently, there has been an increased interest in the importance of family meals on children''s health and nutrition. This study aims to examine if the eating habits and eating behaviors of children are different according to the frequency of family dinners.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The subjects were third-grade students from 70 elementary schools in 17 cities nationwide. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling was employed. The survey questionnaire was composed of items that examined the general characteristics, family meals, eating habits, eating behaviors, and environmental influence on children''s eating. The subjects responded to a self-reported questionnaire. Excluding the incomplete responses, the data (n = 3,435) were analyzed using χ²-test or t-test.

RESULTS

The group that had more frequent family dinners (≥ 5 days/week, 63.4%), compared to those that had less (≤ 4 days/week, 36.6%), showed better eating habits, such as eating meals regularly, performing desirable behaviors during meals, having breakfast frequently, having breakfast with family members (P < 0.001), and not eating only what he or she likes (P < 0.05). Those who had more frequent family dinners also consumed healthy foods with more frequency, including protein foods, dairy products, grains, vegetables, seaweeds (P < 0.001), and fruits (P < 0.01). However, unhealthy eating behaviors (e.g., eating fatty foods, salty foods, sweets, etc.) were not significantly different by the frequency of family dinners.

CONCLUSIONS

Having dinner frequently with family members was associated with more desirable eating habits and with healthy eating behaviors in young children. Thus nutrition education might be planned to promote family dinners, by emphasizing the benefits of having family meals on children''s health and nutrition and making more opportunities for family meals.     

Mothers' acculturation and eating behaviors of Korean American families in California

OBJECTIVE: To compare eating behaviors of Korean American (KA) families with mothers of different acculturation stages with those of families in Korea. DESIGN: Survey research using a self-report questionnaire. Settings: Field survey on convenience sample in California and in Seoul, Korea. PARTICIPANTS: 225 KA and 216 Korean mothers. Main Outcome Measures: Frequency of eating at home, preparation of Korean foods, favorite dishes of families, and for special occasions. ANALYSIS: Chi-square, t test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Families of the more acculturated mothers dined out more frequently and had lower preferences for Korean foods than did the families with less acculturated mothers. The more acculturated mothers prepared Korean foods, including kimchi, less at home. Fewer Korean dishes were included among the 5 favored dishes, both for family and for special occasions, in KA families than in Korean families. The acculturation stage of the mothers affected preference for Korean dishes of the families but not for special occasions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Mothers' acculturation stage influenced the family's eating habits. Changes of preference of typical Korean dishes varied by acculturation stage. Nutrition educators should be aware that dietary behaviors of KA families may differ by acculturation stage and tailor interventions appropriately.     

Eating habits of 11–14-year-old schoolchildren living in less affluent areas of Liverpool, UK

Aim : To provide baseline data concerning the eating habits of young adolescents which will enable trends to be identified, the factors affecting food choice to be explored and a programme of intervention to be designed and evaluated. Methods : A dietary screening survey, delivered by computer, was completed by 707 schoolchildren aged 11–14 years attending schools in two of the least affluent areas of Liverpool. Eating habits were compared to two previous studies which used an identical computerized dietary survey method. Results : The results suggest that many children chose the least desirable foods, which is likely to result in them eating a poor quality diet. The most popular foods included snack foods such as crisps, chocolates and sweets, and sugared fizzy drinks and chips. A number of trends were noted: there was a decrease in the reported consumption of added sugar and high-fibre cereals, and an increase in the use of low-fat milk. Boys claimed to be more active than girls, and there was an inverse relationship between physical activities and watching TV and playing computer games in girls. The results showed similar eating patterns and physical activity levels to those from other more complex studies. Conclusion : The responses of the children indicated, at the very least, some increasing awareness of healthy eating messages, but whether changes in behaviour were occurring is less clear. There is still, however, scope for further positive change in eating habits and the survey will be repeated at regular intervals to examine trends.     

Eating Habits in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia from North-Eastern Romania

(1) Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic autosomal dominant disorder characterized by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) that develops deposits of lipids in the arterial wall. Since it is underdiagnosed and undertreated, the disease has a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease and death. Patients are not always aware of the changes they should make in their diet. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate through a food frequency questionnaire their eating habits. (2) Methods: We included 70 patients with FH and 20 subjects in a control group that were evaluated through a physical examination and blood tests. They also completed a food frequency questionnaire. (3) Results: Throughout our study, we observed several aspects: regardless of age, patients with FH had higher carbohydrate intakes compared to the control group; from the same group, a positive correlation was observed between salami intake and the levels of glucose and glycated hemoglobin. Moreover, the sour cream preference was associated with higher liver function tests. In the control group, we observed a higher intake of pasta and fast food and fewer fruit portions. (4) Conclusions: As far as we know, this is the first study from Romania that evaluated the eating habits of patients diagnosed with FH. Our study reveals that, although patients with FH avoid junk food, they still have a high intake of carbohydrates when compared to the control group. Further research is needed in order to get a comprehensive nutritional evaluation of these patients.     

儿童铅中毒饮食高危因素分析

目的掌握武汉市儿童血铅值水平变化趋势及与饮食习惯的关系,制定降低儿童血铅水平的营养干预措施。方法采取分层随机抽取2个城区2条街道所有0~3岁儿童;6所不同等级幼儿园所有3~6岁以上在园儿童作为研究对象。对儿童母亲进行问卷并填写调查表,采集儿童手指血,用钨舟原子吸收光谱仪测定血铅值。结果儿童铅中毒发生率为0.27%。高铅血症率为6.97%,男童发生率明显高于女童(P0.001),不同年龄儿童血铅水平差异有高度统计学意义(P0.001),其中2岁组儿童血铅值最高。偏爱吃爆米花、松花蛋类食品的儿童高铅血症和铅中毒检出率较高;而服用钙、铁、锌制剂的儿童高铅血症和铅中毒检出率较低。爱吃爆米花和松花蛋是儿童高铅血症和铅中毒的危险因素。结论对儿童及家长进行必要的宣教,提倡平衡膳食。而营养综合干预应该是降低儿童血铅水平的首选,同时改进传统的食品加工、储存的工艺。     

Development of a Food Literacy Assessment Tool for Healthy,Joyful, and Sustainable Diet in South Korea

Background: Food literacy (FL) is important as the ability to consider the unique aspects of food in our lives, society, and environment. The main objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to revisit the definition of FL, considering the cultural, relational, and ecological aspects that were often neglected in previous research, and (2) to develop a measurement tool for adults. Methods: Expert workshops, the Delphi survey, the test–retest survey, and one-on-one interviews were conducted. The content validity ratio was calculated from the Delphi survey. The correlation coefficient of each item was measured twice, and the Cronbach’s alpha was calculated. Results: This study proposed a new definition of FL, including future-oriented values, and suggested three main domains with 33 items: (1) 14 questions in nutrition and safety FL (Cronbach’s α = 0.877, average correlation coefficient = 0.70), (2) 8 questions in cultural and relational FL (Cronbach’s α = 0.705, average correlation coefficient = 0.71), and (3) 11 questions in socio-ecological FL (Cronbach’s α = 0.737, average correlation coefficient = 0.61). Conclusions: This newly developed questionnaire should be tested in different populations; however, this questionnaire can be a basis for measuring and improving FL for healthy, joyful, and sustainable diets for adults.     

Analysis of Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Children with Down Syndrome in the Context of Lipid and Oxidative Stress Parameters

Introduction: The risk of obesity in children with Down syndrome is high. Undoubtedly, proper nutrition plays an important role in the prevention of excess body weight and is associated with a reduction of metabolic complications. The aim of the study was to assess the problem of disturbances in the nutritional status and eating habits of children with DS. Methods: A total of 39 patients were included in the study. The nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric tests and Dual X-ray Absorptiometry. Eating habits were assessed using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire and the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Blood samples were taken to determine the oxidative stress and lipid parameters. Results: Obesity was recognized in 15% of subjects and 23% were overweight. Children that were overweight were characterized by higher levels of triglycerides, atherogenic index of plasma, and apoA2 and apoE levels. Fat mass, fat mass/height² index, and visceral fat mass correlated with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and advanced oxidative protein product level. The analysis of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire showed that children struggling with being overweight were more interested in food compared to those with normal body weight. A positive correlation was identified between waist circumference and food interest categories. Insufficient consumption of dairy products, vegetables, whole grain products, as well as fruits, seeds, nuts, and fatty fish was noted. Patients were less likely to consume products that are a good source of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conclusions: In children with Down syndrome and obesity, disturbances in lipid and oxidative stress parameters are observed. Abnormal eating habits in all children with Down syndrome regardless of their nutritional status were noted. Proper nutritional education, nutritional control, and management of metabolic problems are essential in this group of patients.     

Effects of intragastric balloon on obesity in obese Korean women for 6 months post removal

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe prevalence of morbid obesity in Korean women has consistently been increasing, while the overall prevalence rate of obesity in Korean women seems to be stable. In addition to bariatric surgery, intragastric balloons (IGBs), as a nonsurgical therapy, have been reported to be effective in weight loss. However, the beneficial effects of IGB in Korean women with obesity have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in fat mass in Korean women with obesity who had undergone IGB treatment for 6 mon.SUBJECTS/METHODSSeventy-four women with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25.0 kg/m²) were recruited. Clinical data, including general information, comorbidities with obesity, anthropometric data, and changes in the body fat composition before and after IGB treatment, were obtained from the subjects.RESULTSMost subjects had one or more comorbidities, such as osteoarthropathy and woman''s disease, and had poor eating behaviors, including irregular mealtimes, eating quickly, and frequent overeating. Body composition measurements showed that weight, fat mass, and waist-hip circumference ratio decreased significantly at 6 mon after IGB treatment. In particular, women with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) showed 33% excess weight loss. There was no significant difference in skeletal muscle mass and mineral contents after IGB treatment.CONCLUSIONSThis study suggested that 6 mon of IGB treatment can be a beneficial treatment for obesity without muscle mass and bone mineral loss.     

Risk Factors for Eating Disorders and Perception of Body in Young Adults Associated with Sex

(1) Background: The integrated approach to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) requires knowledge and can be used only when specific risk factors are known. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in food choices and eating behavior between males and females; (2) Methods: This study comprised 148 females and 27 males aged from 18 to 26-years-old (MEAN ± SD = 21.4 ± 1.86 years old). Information about EDs was obtained from four different measures: the body mass index (BMI), the eating disorder screen for primary care (ESP), a standardized and validated questionnaire called “My Eating Habits” and the food frequency questionnaire with 10 answers (FFQ-10); (3) Results: The risk for developing eating disorders was detected in nearly 67% of respondents. It was also shown that EDs were more common in females and how body weight affected the way individuals feel about themselves. Females showed more unhealthy eating habits, which contributed to dietary restrictions and emotional overeating, as they were also afraid of gaining weight. The frequency of eating meat and drinking alcohol was higher in males, whereas eating legume seeds was less frequent in females. (4) Conclusions: This study opens a new field, which will help health care professionals recognize the problems with eating disorders and treat them based on different sex characteristics.     

Effects of Childhood Nutrition Education from School and Family on Eating Habits of Japanese Adults

Since the Basic Law of Shokuiku (nutrition education) was established in 2005, the Japanese government has been promoting nutrition education among children to encourage better eating habits. This study analyzes the 2019 survey data on people’s attitudes towards nutrition education, in order to elucidate the relationship between the results of nutrition education, attitude towards nutrition education and proper eating habits, and the experience of nutrition education. The results reveal that people who received nutrition education at elementary school and middle school tend to have a more positive attitude towards nutrition education. In addition, family conversation on foods during elementary school years has a positive effect on nutritionally balanced eating behavior.     

A Comparison of Eating Practices of Independently Living Older Adults in Private Residences and in Senior Retirement Housing: A Pilot Study

This study investigated eating-related habits and their importance in older people and compared those living in private residences with those in senior retirement community housing. A convenience sample of 58 seniors answered eating-related items from the Self-maintenance Habits and Preferences in Elderly questionnaire (SHAPE). Meal location, companions, concurrent activities, portion size, and food variety differed between private and retirement housing for some meals, but the overall importance assigned to eating practices was similar. The meals themselves appeared to be more important than any specific socio-environmental element. Eating practices associated with dinner were more important than those for the other meals.     

Is Physical Activity Protective against Emotional Eating Associated Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Cross-Sectional Study among Physically Active and Inactive Adults

Physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic have been decreasing and this may be a risk factor for development of emotional eating and its associated factors. The aim of the study was to analyze the factors associated with emotional eating among individuals with different physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data relating to the pandemic on physical activity, emotional eating, sociodemographic data, perceptions about lifestyle habits, body satisfaction, and perceptions about eating habits and food consumption were collected. Factors associated with emotional eating in the group of active and inactive individuals were observed using multiple linear regression controlled for age, sex, BMI, and monthly income. Emotional eating for the active group was associated with perceived stress, body dissatisfaction, and increased consumption of sweets and desserts. In addition to these factors found among the active group, working or studying >8 h/day, sleep worsening, increased amount of food consumed, increased purchase of food through delivery, and increased vegetable consumption were also associated with emotional eating for the inactive group. These findings suggest a potential protective role of physical activity in the appearance of factors associated with emotional eating during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

儿童睑板腺囊肿与血清维生素水平及饮食习惯相关性研究

目的 分析儿童睑板腺囊肿的发病原因与血清维生素水平及饮食习惯相关性研究,以期为临床防治提供依据,避免不良预后。方法 2016-2017年在复旦大学附属儿科医院眼科就诊的患儿中,随机选择睑板腺囊肿术前患儿共108例为病例组,斜视或倒睫术前患儿共48例为对照组。两组患儿均抽血检验其血清维生素A、B1、C、D、E的水平,采取独立两样本t检验分析两组间的差异。通过问卷调查两组儿童高热量食物摄入比例、主食零食摄入偏好、荤素摄入偏好、是否偏食,χ²检验分析两组间的差异,Logistic回归模型进行多因素分析。结果 病例组的血清维生素A水平为(0.64±0.14)μmol/L,对照组为(0.70±0.21)μmol/L,差异有统计学意义(P=0.014)。病例组囊肿多发的患儿血清维生素A水平较单发的患儿偏低(P=0.006)。病例组的血清维生素B1、C、D、E水平与对照组之间差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。病例组和对照组在高热量食物摄入比例、主食零食摄入偏好、荤素摄入偏好以及是否偏食方面差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05),Logistic回归分析显示上述饮食习惯差异均不是儿童睑板腺囊肿发病的独立危险因素(P＞0.05)。结论 低维生素A水平与儿童睑板腺囊肿的发病有关,尤其是囊肿多发患儿。     

The Relationship between Obligatory Exercise and Eating Attitudes,and the Mediating Role of Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance during the COVID-19 Pandemic

A strong sociocultural context could affect an individual’s aesthetic standards. In order to achieve a socially recognized ideal appearance, obligatory exercisers might increase dieting behavior when exercise actions are disturbed, thereby placing the individual at risk of eating disorders. The current study mainly examined the relationship between obligatory exercise and eating attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and considered the mediating role of externalized sociocultural attitudes towards appearance between the two. A total of 342 participants (175 females, 167 males) from various regions of China were invited to fill out the questionnaires including the Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire, the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire-3, and the Eating Attitudes Test. In total, 51.5% of the participants presented symptoms of an obligatory exercise behavior. Among them, males, young adults, and the participants with lower BMI had higher OEQ scores, whereas females and young adults had higher EAT-26 scores. Meanwhile, 9.4% of the participants might have had an eating disorder. The OEQ score was positively correlated with the EAT-26 total score as well as SATAQ-3 ‘Pressures’ and ‘Information’ subscales. In addition, the EAT-26 total score was positively correlated with the SATAQ-3 ‘Pressures’ and ‘Information’ subscales. Externalized sociocultural attitudes towards appearance served as a mediator between obligatory exercise behavior and eating attitudes, and the mediation effect accounted for 56.82% of the total effect. Obligatory exercise behavior may have an indirect effect on eating attitudes through sociocultural attitudes towards appearance. Given the sociocultural information and pressures, in order to maintain or pursue an ideal appearance, many people tend to keep a pathological diet. Thus, forming a positive and healthy social aesthetic orientation is beneficial in helping obligatory exercisers to develop reasonable eating habits.     

Parents' reports of the body shape and feeding habits of 36-month-old children: an investigation of gender differences

OBJECTIVE: The current study examined parental perception of offspring body shape, differential reporting of offspring eating behaviors by mothers and fathers, and gender-specific patterns of offspring feeding habits. METHODS: Parents of a community sample of 36-month-old children (N = 93) completed measures regarding their offspring's feeding patterns and body shape. RESULTS: Results revealed noteworthy correlates (e.g., concerns about their child's appetite) of parental perception of offspring weight status. They further suggested that mothers and fathers often differed in their accounts of their child's eating habits, and that parents report certain eating behaviors differently depending on the gender of their child. CONCLUSION: Clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.     

Dietary Intake and Lifestyle Habits of Children Aged 10–12 Years Enrolled in the School Lunch Program in Greece: A Cross Sectional Analysis

School Lunch programs are a common strategy to address social inequalities in food access among children, especially food insecurity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary intake and lifestyle habits of children aged 10–12 years enrolled in the School Lunch Program in Greece. A cross-sectional survey of fifth and sixth grade students, School Lunch recipients (n = 609) and control subjects (n = 736), collected data on sociodemographic, nutritional and lifestyle habits via self-reported questionnaires during May–October 2019. Despite enrollment in the School Lunch Program children in this group reported consuming less meals during the day (3.47 ± 1.38 vs. 3.65 ± 1.35, p = 0.002). No differences were seen in intakes of energy and macronutrients, however School Lunch recipients reported lower intakes of cereals/potatoes and legumes but higher fruit intake (2.32 ± 1.59 vs. 1.97 ± 1.72, p < 0.05). School Lunch recipients reported 42min/d and 28min/d higher screen-time during weekdays and weekends, respectively. Linear regression highlighted that dietary quality was not associated with School Lunch enrollment but rather sleep duration and screen time had a stronger influence on dietary habits. Enrollment in a School Lunch Program was linked to sustained differences in sedentary lifestyle habits but less so in dietary habits.     

Association between Eating Behavior and Academic Performance in University Students

Objective: To determine the association between academic performance and eating behavior in university students in Chile.

Methods: A total of 680 college students, 409 (60%) women and 271 (40%) men, were randomly recruited and the mean age of the entire sample was 26. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), which evaluates 3 dimensions of eating behavior—cognitive restriction (limiting own intake), uncontrolled eating (inclination to eat), and emotional eating (control of food intake in the context of negative emotions)—was used. Academic performance was measured by the grade point average (GPA) and was associated with eating behavior.

Results: Women had significantly higher scores in the “emotional eating” dimension than men (p = 0.002). The eating behavior analysis showed that female students with higher GPAs (above 5.5) had statistically significantly lower uncontrolled eating scores (p = 0.03) and higher cognitive restriction scores (p = 0.05) than women with lower academic performance (below 5.5). There were no significant associations between eating behavior and academic performance in men.

Conclusions: A positive association between eating behavior and academic performance was observed in female university students in Chile. Further studies are needed to explore the causes of this association and determine how to improve the nutritional habits of this population.     

Insufficient Physical Fitness and Deficits in Basic Eating Habits in Normal-Weight Obese Children Are Apparent from Pre-School Age or Sooner

Normal-weight obesity appears to be an extended diagnosis/syndrome associated with insufficient physical fitness levels and inadequate eating habits at least from school years. However, its relation to long term health parameters in pre-school children remains unknown, even though pre-school age is crucial for the determining healthy lifelong habits. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the differences in physical fitness level and basic eating habits between normal-weight obese, normal-weight non-obese, and overweight and obese preschoolers. The research sample consisted of 188 preschoolers aged 4.0–6.9 years (M_age = 5.52 ± 0.8 year), normal-weight obese = 25; normal-weight non-obese = 143, overweight and obese = 20. Body composition was measured using bio-impedance InBody230. Six tests assessed the physical fitness level: sit-ups; standing long jump; shuttle running 4 × 5 meters; throwing with a tennis ball; multistage fitness tests; sit and reach. A four-item eating habits questionnaire for parents focusing on breakfast regularity, consumption of sweet foods and drinks, selection of food and attitude towards eating was used. A non-parametric analysis of variance and Fisher’s exact test along with suitable effect sizes were used for data processing of physical fitness tests and the basic eating habits questionnaire, respectively. Normal-weight obese children performed significantly worse (from p = 0.03 to p < 0.001, ES ω2-G = low to medium) in muscular fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness and running agility compared to normal-weight non-obese counterparts and did not significantly differ in the majority of physical fitness performance tests from overweight and obese peers. In basic eating habits, normal-weight obese boys preferred significantly more sweet foods and drinks (p = 0.003 ES = 0.35, large), while normal-weight obese girls had significantly more negative attitude towards eating (p = 0.002 ES = 0.33, large) in comparison to their normal-weight non-obese peers. Normal-weight obesity seems to develop from early childhood and is associated with low physical fitness and deficits in eating habits which might inhibit the natural necessity for physically active life from pre-school age or sooner.     

Changes in Food Habits of South Indian Hindu Brahmin Immigrants in State College,PA

This study was conducted to understand the factors influencing changes in the food habits of south Indian Brahmin immigrants in State College, PA. Data was collected from participants (n = 28) using a semi-structured interview based on the PRECEDE framework, and participant observations. Analysis of the data used grounded theory generated themes highlighting their food acculturation experience. Adjusting in State College was described as a “delicate balance” that meant maintaining their south Indian traditions while at the same time adapting to the cultural milieu of a town that favored north Indian cuisine, and “blending in” with the larger American society.