Early childhood family background predicts meal frequency behaviour in children: Five-year follow-up study

Aims: Childhood nutrition patterns have an important role in later health. We studied the role of family type, other family background factors and their changes over a five-year follow-up with respect to meal frequency among children. Methods: Longitudinal data were collected in 2007–2009 and 2013–2...

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Published in:Scandinavian journal of public health 2022-12, Vol.50 (8), p.1199-1207
Main Authors: Parikka, Suvi, Martelin, Tuija, Karvonen, Sakari, Levälahti, Esko, Kestilä, Laura, Laatikainen, Tiina
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Aims: Childhood nutrition patterns have an important role in later health. We studied the role of family type, other family background factors and their changes over a five-year follow-up with respect to meal frequency among children. Methods: Longitudinal data were collected in 2007–2009 and 2013–2014. A nationally representative sample of Finnish children (n = 1822) aged 0.5–5 years at baseline and 5–10 years at follow-up and their families were used. The participation rate was 83% at baseline and 54% at follow-up. Meal frequency was defined as four to six meals per day. The associations of meal frequency with family background factors over a five-year follow-up period were examined by bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results: Eighty-nine per cent of the 5–10-year-old boys and girls had the recommended meal frequency at follow-up. Living in a single-parent family at baseline increased the risk of not eating the recommended number of meals compared with those living in intact families. After adjustments, a mother’s low level of education (OR 0.51, CI 0.29–0.93) and a decrease in income sufficiency (OR 0.54, CI 0.35–0.84) during the follow-up period were unfavourably associated with the recommended meal frequency. The difference between children in stable single-parent, reconstituted or joint physical custody families and those living in stable intact families remained significant when controlling for other variables. Conclusions: Single-parent families with a low socioeconomic position represent important target groups for interventions designed to promote regular meal frequency.
ISSN:1403-4948
1651-1905
DOI:10.1177/14034948211058544