Parent‐Child Resemblance in Dietary Intakes, Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure in China

Abstract

AimsTo study parent‐child resemblance in eating, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP), and test effect modification and the association of parent‐child gender dyads, residence, child age, parent‐child age difference and family SES with the resemblance in diet, BMI and BP.MethodsCross‐sectional data from the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey were used, which covered nine provinces in China. Dietary intakes were assessed using three 24‐hour recalls. BP and BMI were measured by research staff. Final analysis included 1409 children and 2239 parents. Spearman correlation, kappa and logistic regression analysis were conducted.ResultsThere were moderate resemblance in intakes (r=0.35–0.79) and a weak one in BMI (0.04–0.38) and BP (0.03–0.21), which varied across population groups. Those being younger, in rural areas, and being closer to their parents’ ages had stronger resemblance. Older children had greater odds of resembling their parents than younger children in fat intake (OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.11–2.48 for 6–12 y; OR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.40–3.30 for 13–18 y vs. 2–5 y).ConclusionsA moderate parent‐child resemblance in dietary intakes and a weak one in BMI and SBP existed in China. Resemblance in diet was stronger in children being older, living in rural areas and having a closer age as their parents than their counterparts. Such resemblance is critical in preventing chronic diseases in younger generations.Grant Funding Source: NIH U54 center grant (U54HD070725)