Year: 2016
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Tackling the current high rates of childhood obesity is a global health priority. Given the consumption of unhealthy foods has been identified as a modifiable risk factor in the development of obesity, understanding the factors that influence the consumption of such foods is crucial to informing interventions. The present study aimed to examine and model the various factors associated with children’s consumption of unhealthy foods to identify relevant important factors and inform the development of interventions designed to decrease intake of unhealthy foods and subsequent obesity. Methods More than 1000 parents from across Australia were recruited via web panel provider and responded to an online survey about their children’s diets. They also provided information about their own attitudes to unhealthy foods. Structural equation modelling was used to test a model examining the factors contributing to unhealthy food consumption in children. Results Parents’ attitudes to unhealthy foods emerged as a primary factor influencing children’s consumption of unhealthy foods. Children’s requests for unhealthy foods and perceived social norms relating to the consumption of these products also emerged as significant both directly and indirectly (via parents’ attitudes to unhealthy foods). Conclusions The model tested in the present study provides important information that can be used to facilitate the development of programs that address the predictors of consumption of unhealthy foods in children. Interventions designed to tackle the consumption of unhealthy foods in children and subsequent high rates of obesity in this population segment are likely to benefit from the inclusion of information pertaining to child pestering and social norms and strategies to manage these. Key messages: Developing interventions designed to decrease intake of unhealthy foods and subsequent obesity is important Addressing parents’ attitudes to unhealthy foods, children’s requests for these foods, and perceived social norms may be important targets for change
Authors: M Jongenelis, S Pettigrew, K Chapman, C Miller
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2588976964