Home and eating environments are associated with saturated fat intake in children in rural West Virginia

Abstract

Objective To describe sociodemographic, environmental, and knowledge factors in relation to self-reported, energy-adjusted saturated fat consumption among children in rural West Virginia. Participants Three hundred twenty-five 5th graders who participated in the Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities Project conducted in 3 rural counties in West Virginia in 1998-1999. Methods A cross-sectional survey based on self-reported information collected using a food frequency questionnaire, a nutrition knowledge questionnaire, and a family composition questionnaire. Statistical analyses Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. Results The mean percentage of energy from total fat was 31.8%±4.9 and from saturated fat was 11.8%±2.3. Energy-adjusted saturated fat intake was significantly higher among children with higher frequencies of breakfast and late-night snacks prepared away from home, and in households with single mothers. Variables associated with higher energy-adjusted saturated fat intake with marginal statistical significance ( P=.05−.10) included attendance at schools with a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, usual breakfast location other than home or school, and less knowledge about low-fat, low-sodium foods. Frequent late-night snacks prepared away from home and living with single mothers remained as significant correlates of energy-adjusted saturated fat intake independent of other hypothesized determinants. Conclusion Efforts to reduce saturated fat intake among children in rural areas should focus on food prepared away from home. Nutrition-related behaviors of single mothers should be explored further. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002; 102: 657–663.