Associations between Perceived Family Meal Environment and Parent Intake of Fruit,Vegetables, and Fat

Authors

Kerri N. Boutelle, University of Minnesota-MorrisFollow
Amanda Birnbaum, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Leslie Lytle, University of MinnesotaFollow
David M. Murray, University of MemphisFollow
Mary T. Story, University of Minnesota-MorrisFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 1-2003

Journal / Book Title

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Abstract

Objective

To describe the family mealtime environment and assess associations with adult fruit, vegetable, and fat intake.

Design

Telephone survey.

Participants

A convenience sample of 277 adults in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area were recruited through 4 schools. The sample was 85% female and 70% married. The mean number of children in the household was 2.6 (range 1 to 9).

Variables Measured

Adult fruit and vegetable intake, fat intake, and perceptions of the mealtime environment.

Analysis

Descriptive and mixed-model linear regression.

Results

Participants reported that the television was frequently on during dinner meals and almost one third felt that their family was too busy to eat dinner together. A higher frequency of television viewing during dinner was associated with lower fruit and vegetable consumption and higher fat consumption. Planning meals in advance was associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption; however, 46% of the adults did not plan meals in advance. Arguments concerning eating behavior during dinner were associated with higher fat consumption.

Conclusion and Implications

The family meal environment is associated with adult eating patterns and should be considered when designing nutrition messages for families.

DOI

10.1016/S1499-4046(06)60323-0

MSU Digital Commons Citation

Boutelle, Kerri N.; Birnbaum, Amanda; Lytle, Leslie; Murray, David M.; and Story, Mary T., "Associations between Perceived Family Meal Environment and Parent Intake of Fruit,Vegetables, and Fat" (2003). Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works. 72.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/public-health-facpubs/72

Published Citation

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1499-4046(06)60323-0