Investigation of the relationship between the eating habits of junior high school children and parental educational level

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Το investigate the relationship between the nutritional habits of junior high schoolchildren and the educational level of their mothers and fathers. METHOD The “Dietary Habits” questionnaire was completed by 956 schoolchildren (491 boys, 465 girls) aged 13–15 years. RESULTS Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences between children with different maternal educational level concerning the following nutritional habits: (a) Eating fresh vegetables, and (b) eating fresh fruits. Significant differences according to the paternal educational level were demonstrated concerning the following nutritional habits: (a) Eating fresh vegetables, (b) eating fresh fruits, (c) eating fried fish, (d) eating charcoal grilled fish, and (e) eating unsalted boiled egg. CONCLUSIONS Parental educational level plays a crucial role in several nutritional habits of junior high schoolchildren. These specific nutritional habits could be targeted through an intervention program or through a health education at school. © Athens Medical Society.