Predictors of Milk Consumption in U.S. School-Aged Children: Evidence From the 1994-95 USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes By Individuals

Abstract

Attainment of peak bone mass by early adulthood may be one of the most effective means of preventing osteoporosis. Milk consumption in the developmental years can influence bone acquisition. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of milk consumption in U.S. school-aged children using dietary intake data from the USDA 1994-95 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). Average daily milk intake was assessed in grams/day for children ages 5-17, who provided two full days of dietary intake data. Sociodemographic variables, type of milk consumed (skim, 1%, 2%, whole) as well as maternal milk intake (type and amount) were examined as possible predictors. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software program was used to format the data for analysis. USDA sample weights and design information were applied using the Survey Data Analysis System (SUDAAN) to obtain correct variance estimates and to allow for generalizations to the entire U.S. school-aged population (weighted sample of 68,717,533). Average daily milk consumption (all types) was 300.4 grams/day. Using multiple correlation regression analysis, sex and geographic region as well as maternal milk intake (both type and amount) were identified as significant (p<.05) predictors of the amount of milk consumed by children. On average, the boys consumed 127 grams more milk/day than the girls. Children from the Midwest consumed the most milk while children from the South consumed the least. Children whose mothers drank 2 percent milk had the highest intakes while children whose mothers drank whole milk or no milk at all had the lowest. Child milk intake increased by 1 gram per day for every 0.64 grams of milk consumed by their mothers. The amount of milk consumed by children's mothers was the strongest predictor of their intake. These results are consistent with other studies indicating a strong relationship between maternal/child food preferences and eating behaviors. The positive association between maternal milk consumption and the amount of milk consumed by U.S. school-aged children should be considered by nutrition educators when designing intervention programs aimed at increasing children's milk intake.