سامانه کنگره های دانشگاه علوم پزشکی و خدمات بهداشتی و درمانی آذربایجان غربی

صفحه اصلی / بیستمین همایش سالیانه بیماری های شایع گوارش و کبد کودکان ایران و دومین همایش بین المللی چاقی کودکان

Nutrition literacy and eating habits in children from food-secure versus food-insecure households: A cross-sectional study

نویسندگان :

Asma Kazemi¹ Maral Hashemzadeh² Leila Sheikhi³

1- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences 2- Ahwaz University of Medicine Science 3- Urmia University of Medicine Science

کلمات کلیدی :

child،diet،food،dietary habits،food insecurity

چکیده :

Abstract Background and Aim: The study focused on examining whether maternal food and nutrition literacy (FNL) could help reduce the adverse impacts of food insecurity on children’s eating behaviors. It also aimed to determine if enhanced FNL might support food-insecure households in making healthier nutrition decisions despite constrained resources. Methods: A cross-sectional study examined children aged 6 to 12 years along with their mothers. The Food and Nutrition Literacy (FNL) of the participants was evaluated using a validated Food and Nutrition Literacy Assessment Tool, while household food security was measured through the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Dietary patterns were analyzed using a structured questionnaire designed to capture various eating habits. Logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the relationships between maternal FNL, household food insecurity, and the eating habits of children. In total, 327 child-mother pairs were assessed, including 159 from food-secure households and 168 from food-insecure households. Results: Maternal FNL demonstrated an inverse relationship with fast-food and fried food consumption, as well as skipping breakfast, among both food-secure and food-insecure participants. However, an inverse link between FNL and the habit of eating out was observed solely in the food-secure group. In both groups, higher FNL corresponded to reduced sweet consumption. Among food-secure participants, maternal FNL was inversely connected with lower dairy and nut intake, while in food-insecure participants, it was associated with reduced fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusion: This study indicates that under conditions of food insecurity, FNL might help mitigate its adverse effects on children's nutritional choices and eating habits.