A Comparison of Total Fat and Cholesterol Intakes By Children in Single Headed Male or Female and Dual Headed Households

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine if there is a difference in intake of nutrients which are promoters of cardiovascular diseases by children based on status of household heads.Data from the USDA 1989–1991 nationwide Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) were used to compare the total fat and cholesterol intake of children 2 to 12 years of age living in single and dual headed households. The sample consisted of 2222 children for whom three complete days of dietary intake were reported. Children were classified accordingly: 2–4, 5–7, and 8–12 years of age. Race was classified as white, black, and “other”. Intake of selected nutrients, food energy, total fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and cholesterol was examined. Relationships of sociodemographic characteristics were also examined. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) general linear model (GLM) tests were used to test for differences among the groups. Intake of total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol was generally higher in children from single male headed households regardless of age of children. Children from white male single headed households had the highest intake of cholesterol (286 mg) and saturated fat (28.4 gm) among all racial groups. Cholesterol intake was lowest among children from households headed by younger individuals and those with greater than twelve years of education. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the intake of polyunsaturated fat by children from single headed and dual headed households. Regardless of age, race, and household groupings, the results indicated that children consumed more total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than is recommended.