Abstract
Research has documented an association between family mealtimes and higher dietary
quality in school-aged children and adolescents. However, there is little understanding
of the specific characteristics of mealtimes that are beneficial and a lack of research
with preschool-aged children. This cross-sectional study conducted in the United Kingdom
in 2008 examined associations between mealtime characteristics and preschoolers' vegetable
consumption and liking. Four hundred and thirty-four primary caregivers of children
aged 2 to 5 years reported on children's vegetable intake and liking and completed
a questionnaire on frequency of family meals, food preparation, and the social and
environmental context of family mealtimes. Univariate and multiple linear regression
analyses assessed mealtime variables and children's vegetable intake and liking. Multiple
regression analysis revealed children's vegetable consumption was predicted by eating
approximately the same food as their parents (β=.14; P≤0.01), using ready-made sauces (β=−.12; P≤0.05), and cooking from scratch (β=.11; P≤0.05), accounting for 21% of the variance (with covariates). Children's liking for
vegetables was predicted by eating approximately the same food as their parents (β=.15;
P≤0.01) and use of preprepared dishes (β=−.15; P≤0.01), accounting for 8% of the variance (with covariates). Frequency of family mealtimes
was unrelated to children's vegetable consumption or liking in this sample. This contrasts
with findings in older children and adolescents, where frequency of family mealtimes
is related to dietary quality and intake. In preschool-aged children, it seems emphasis
should be placed on encouraging parents to provide home-cooked meals that mirror those
eaten by the adults in the family to improve vegetable intake.
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Biography
C. Sweetman is a research associate, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
Biography
L. McGowan is a research associate, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
Biography
H. Croker is a clinical research dietitian, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
Biography
L. Cooke is a senior research associate, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 13,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
