Parental Messages on Eating Practices and Guideline Perceptions of College Students

Abstract

Prior food habit research of children's eating habits is typically from the caregivers viewpoint. This study examined the nature of eating related parental messages as perceived by 340 undergraduate college students and the association of these messages with current food habits as defined by the Dietary Guidelines. Students in an Introductory Nutrition Class rated frequency of use of 30 food items and 18 parental food/eating messages they perceived growing up. Overall at least 50% of the students followed most Dietary Guidelines practices on a daily basis with the notable exception of whole grains and leafy greens. Factor analysis of Dietary Guidelines responses revealed two different factors related to fat; a vegetable-fruit factor distinct from the variety factor; sugar-salt food items in one factor; and fitness items emerging in the variety factor. Factor analysis of caregiver messages included threat/guilt, picky/fussy eater, food as health, and criticism about weight. Significant correlations indicated that use of threat/guilt messages were related to increased use of fat (r=.16, p=.003). Results suggest that Dietary Guideline categories may not be meaningful for the college age population. In addition, eating and food-related messages heard during childhood may affect eating habits later in life. The results have implications for those using the Dietary Guidelines to assess food intake among adolescents and young adults.