Familial concordance of dietary fat practices and intake

Evidence of familial resemblance and family-based heritability of food intakes derived from a longitudinal cohort study

We sought to investigate the familial aggregation and family-based heritability of dietary intakes among adults in a population-based longitudinal study of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLSG). Total of 4359 males and 5439 females entered our study. We categorized foods into main groups based on the literature on main food groups and their subgroups among the Iranian dietary habits and food culture as follows: grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, legume, nuts, beverages, snacks, and fats. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) are estimated to verify familial resemblance of dietary habits for all relative pairs and spouses. Family-based heritability is obtained using a mixed effect framework with likelihood-based approach. For almost all food groups, the correlation between parents and offsprings tended to be larger than those of siblings. Family-based heritability of food groups varies from the lowest 6.36% for snacks to the highest 25.67% for fruits, and 25.66% for legume. Our findings indicated weak-to-moderate similarities between parents' and offspring's food intakes; however, the similarity in parent-child food intakes was different, and the correlation in mother-daughter food intakes was stronger than other parent-child correlations, and almost all of dietary components showed strong family-based heritability.

Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors Among Adolescent Boys and Girls in Bangladesh: Evidence From a National Survey

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors and the factors associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors (≥ 2 risk factors) among adolescent boys and girls in Bangladesh.

Methods

Data on selected NCD risk factors collected from face to face interviews of 4,907 boys and 4,865 girls in the national Nutrition Surveillance round 2018-2019, was used. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed.

Results

The prevalence of insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, inadequate physical activity, tobacco use, and being overweight/obese was 90.72%, 29.03%, 4.57%, and 6.04%, respectively among boys; and 94.32%, 50.33%, 0.43%, and 8.03%, respectively among girls. Multiple risk factors were present among 34.87% of boys and 51.74% of girls. Younger age (p < 0.001), non-slum urban (p < 0.001) and slum residence (p < 0.001), higher paternal education (p = 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001) were associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors in both boys and girls. Additionally, higher maternal education (p < 0.001) and richest wealth quintile (p = 0.023) were associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors in girls.

Conclusion

The government should integrate specific services into the existing health and non-health programs which are aimed at reducing the burden of NCD risk factors.

Food Security Status and Overweight/Obesity Among 2- to 5-Year-Old Boys and Girls in a Community-Based Clinic

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between food security, parental health behaviors, and overweight/obesity among 2- to 5-year-old children in West Tennessee (N = 264). Results from logistic regression models indicate that the association between parental characteristics and child weight status varies by child sex and household food security. These findings highlight the need for more nuanced analysis that can produce results that inform and shape the development of precise health promotion and intervention strategies designed for diverse low-resource populations.

Dietary outcomes of overweight fathers and their children in the Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids community randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined dietary intake changes following a weight loss intervention in fathers and the association between father-child dietary intakes. The present study aimed to: (i) evaluate the change in dietary intake in overweight fathers randomised to a family-based lifestyle intervention [Healthy Dads Healthy Kids (HDHK)] versus controls and (ii) investigate whether an association exists between father-child dietary intakes.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was conducted of father-child baseline and 3-month post-intervention data (n = 93) collected in the HDHK community randomised controlled trial. Intention-to-treat linear mixed models were used to assess dietary changes by group, time (baseline and 3-month) and the group-by-time interaction. Cohens d was used to determine effect sizes.

RESULTS

Significant group-by-time effects (all P < 0.05) favouring fathers in the intervention group were identified for total daily energy intake (-1956 kJ, d = 0.74), total sugars (-45 g, d = 0.63), sodium (-414 mg, d = 0.58) and % energy from nutrient-dense, core foods (+10.1%, d = 0.86), fruit (+2.4%, d = 0.71), vegetarian protein sources (+1.2%, d = 0.57), pre-packed snacks (+1.7%, d = 0.58) and sugar-sweetened beverages (-4.1%, d = 0.58). At baseline, positive correlations were observed between father-child intakes for a number of dietary variables, and significant correlations were observed between father-child change scores for % energy carbohydrate (r = 0.35, P = 0.023), % energy from fruit (r = 0.47, P = 0.002), vegetarian protein sources (r = 0.46, P = 0.002) and frequency of consuming meals with vegetables (r = 0.38, P = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

The HDHK intervention successfully improved some aspects of father's dietary intakes compared to controls. The fathers' eating patterns also correlated with those of their children for several dietary variables. These novel data suggest that fathers can be targeted as agents of dietary change within obesity prevention and treatment programmes.

Parental feeding behavior in relation to children's tasting behavior: An observational study

Children's eating habits are shaped in part by parental feeding practices. While maladaptive practices have already received a lot of research attention, the effects of adaptive strategies, especially in elementary school aged children of different weight status, are less examined. This study examines how parents (1) model and (2) encourage their child to taste an unknown food. Thereby, attention is paid to the distinction between encouraging what (i.e. adaptive type of encouragement) and the amount (i.e. maladaptive type of encouragement) children eat/drink. Twenty-five families with a child with overweight and 30 families with a child of healthy weight (7-13 years) participated in a taste task. Both the child's tasting behavior and the parents' modelling and encouragement behavior were observed and related to the child's age and weight status. As 94.3% of the children tasted the unknown food, weight status differences between tasters and non-tasters could not be investigated. Only 26.9% of the parents used modelling to enhance tasting behavior; this was unrelated to age and weight status. 77.4% of the parents encouraged their children to taste (encouragement of what children eat/drink), and this was significantly more prevalent in parents of younger children and of healthy-weight children. 21.1% of the parents also encouraged their children to finish the juice (encouragement of amount children eat/drink) and this was also more prevalent in parents of the healthy-weight group. These results evidenced that parental modelling is not often used to enhance tasting behavior in children. In contrast, parental encouragement was frequently observed, especially in parents of younger children and of healthy-weight children. Encouragement, however, seems difficult to measure and more research on adaptive parental encouragement is needed.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Parents Facing Child and Adolescent Obesity in Brazzaville, Congo

The study aimed to assess obesity-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents when facing child and adolescent obesity in order to improve the quality of care. A case-control study was conducted from February 1 to July 1, 2013. The study compared parents of obese school children (group 1 or cases; n = 254) and those school children without obesity (group 2 or controls; n = 254). These children were drawn from public and private primary schools of Brazzaville (Congo). Obesity-related knowledge was satisfactory in 83.5% of the cases, attitudes were correct in 29% of the cases, and the practices good in 25.6% of the cases. The parents' obesity-related knowledge was satisfactory when the socioeconomic level of the family was high (P < .02), the mothers' educational level greater than primary (P < .001), and the fathers' educational level was greater than primary (P < 10-4). The same observation was obtained with obesity-related attitudes and practices of the parents when correct. This influence remained after the adaptation of fathers' educational level. In conclusion, the disease-related knowledge of parents can be considered satisfactory in the majority of the cases; however, obesity-related attitudes and practices remain incorrect in most of the cases.

Trans fatty acid intake is related to emotional affect in the Adventist Health Study-2

Trans fatty acids in Western diets increase health risks, and have been associated with the risk of depression. We hypothesized that intakes of trans fatty acids (primarily from margarines and baked goods) were inversely associated with positive affect and positively associated with negative affect in a longitudinal study. Church attendees residing in North America completed a food frequency questionnaire in 2002-6 as part of the Adventist Health Study-2. A subset in which we excluded participants with established cardiovascular disease (n=8,771) completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) in 2006-7. The associations between dietary intakes of fatty acids to positive and negative affect were tested with linear regression analysis controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, education, body mass index, exercise, sleep, sleep squared, Mediterranean diet, total energy intake and alcohol. Intakes of trans fatty acids were inversely associated with positive affect (β=-0.06, B=-0.27 [95% CI -0.37, -0.17], p<.001) and positively associated with negative affect (β=0.05, B=0.21 [95% CI 0.11, 0.31], p<.001). In comparison, we found no association between n-3 polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFA) intakes with affect. The n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio was inversely associated with positive affect (β=-0.03, B=-0.34 [95% CI -0.58, -0.10], p=0.006). The findings suggest that a lower dietary trans fatty acid intake has beneficial effects on emotional affect while the n-6: n-3 ratio is detrimental to positive affect.

Generational status, neighborhood context, and mother-child resemblance in dietary quality in Mexican-origin families

Children of immigrants in the United States often grow up in very different nutrition environments than their parents. As a result, parent-child concordance in diet may be particularly weak in immigrant families. Yet, little is known about parent-child dietary resemblance in immigrant families and how local contexts shape it. This study uses data from the 1999/2000-2009/2010 Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine mother-child resemblance in dietary quality in Mexican-origin families in the United States. We investigate how immigrant generational status and neighborhood context shape the association between mothers' and children's dietary quality. We find that mother-child resemblance in dietary quality is weaker for first-generation children relative to third-generation children. However, residence in an immigrant enclave strengthens the mother-child association in dietary quality for first-generation children. Findings offer a unique within-family perspective of immigrant health. Results suggest that the healthy eating advantage of Mexican immigrant mothers may not be sustained across family generations and that Mexican immigrant mothers may face unique challenges in promoting healthy eating among their children.

What should we tell patients with heart failure about sodium restriction and how should we counsel them?

This article is a review of current evidence regarding the recommended level of dietary sodium, involvement of family members in adoption of a low sodium diet, and evidence-based strategies to increase patient and family member willingness and ability to a follow a low sodium diet. The available evidence suggests that recommending a 2.5 to 3 g sodium diet will meet nutritional needs and decrease risk of hospitalizations. The best strategy identified for patient success is to fully involve both patients and family members in jointly reducing sodium intake. Motivational interviewing techniques should be used before counseling begins to guide patients and family members toward realization of the need to follow a low sodium diet. Successful counseling starts with determining perceptions, barriers, and individual characteristics that impede adherence. This information is incorporated into theory-based teaching strategies to promote behavior change and successful adoption of a low sodium diet.

A systematic review of parent role modeling of healthy eating and physical activity for their young African American children

PURPOSE

We systematically reviewed current literature on parent role modeling of healthy eating and physical activity as a strategy to influence healthy weight of middle school-age African American children.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for parent role modeling is low to average. Most studies did not target African American participants or middle school-age children.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses can begin to remedy deficient knowledge of parent role modeling by assessing parent attitudes, beliefs, and healthy behaviors, as well as the children's. Existing dietary and physical activity guidelines are not specific to African Americans but can be a starting point for educating parents.

Eating Behaviors Among Early Adolescent African American Girls and Their Mothers

African American (AA) girls aged 10–12 living in urban communities designated as food deserts have a significantly greater prevalence of overweight and obesity than girls that age in the general population. The purpose of our study was (a) to examine the agreement in nutritional intake between AA girls aged 10–12 and their mothers and (b) to determine if the girls’ weight categories were associated with their or their mothers demographic characteristics, eating behaviors, nutritional intake, and health problem. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in predominantly low-income AA communities in Chicago. Forty-three dyads of early adolescent AA girls and their mothers responded to food frequency and eating habits questionnaires. There was a strong and significant correlation between mother’s and daughter’s kilocalories consumed ( r = .61). Our study suggests that interventions aimed at improving eating behaviors in early adolescent AA girls should include their mothers.

Eating behaviour and its association with social living conditions and weight status among adolescent girls: results of the cross-sectional Berlin School Children's Cohort study

Objective

To capture a more holistic picture of eating behaviour by investigating the impact of the social living conditions and weight status of parents and daughters on food consumption frequency, the context of meals and daily portion sizes.

Design

Cross-sectional Berlin School Children's Cohort study.

Setting

A total of sixty-nine schools in Berlin (3 400 000 inhabitants, eastern Germany) participated in the present study.

Subjects

A total of 1519 girls aged 11–14 years were selected. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the impact of age, migration background, socio-economic status (SES), parental education, family situation and the weight status of parents and daughters on three different eating behaviour scores according to nutritional recommendations.

Results

For the three dependent eating behaviour variables, different patterns of influencing factors emerged. Multivariate regression (model 1) revealed that low and middle SES, two-parent migration background and older age were significant risk factors. Meal context was also significantly influenced by living with a single parent. Similar results were obtained for the daily portion size scores and maternal overweight status was the most influential. Model 2 succeeded in showing that, within the composite variable of family SES, mothers’ level of education was the dominant component.

Conclusions

SES as a whole, and especially the component of mothers’ level of education and two-parent migration background, was the strongest risk factor for an unfavourable eating pattern among adolescent girls. The results clearly indicated preventive potential. Using three different measures of eating behaviour simultaneously provided an in-depth understanding of general patterns and potential risk factors.

The relationship between child and parent food hedonics and parent and child food group intake in children with overweight/obesity

Many factors influence children's dietary intake, including children's and parents' food hedonics (liking), and parent intake. This secondary data analysis studied the relationship between child and parent liking, and parent intake and child intake of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, snack foods, and sweetened beverages in 4- to 9-year-old overweight/obese (body mass index ≥85th percentile) children presenting for obesity treatment (September 2005 to September 2007) in Providence, RI. One hundred thirty-five parent-child pairs, with complete baseline dietary (3-day food record) and food group hedonic data were included. Hedonic ratings were mean ratings using a 5-point Likert scale (lower scores represented greater liking of a food group). Children were aged 7.2±1.6 years, 63.0% girls, 12.6% African American, and 17.8% Hispanic, with a mean body mass index z score of 2.3±0.6. Total servings consumed by children over 3 days were: fruits 2.7±3.2, vegetables 3.4±2.5, low-fat dairy 2.4±2.1, snack foods 5.9±4.2, and sweetened beverages 2.7±3.1. After demographic and anthropometric variables were controlled, parent intake was positively related (P<0.05) to child intake of all food groups except sweetened beverages. Child liking was only significantly (P<0.05) related to child intake of vegetables. In young children with obesity/overweight, parent intake was consistently related to child intake. Changing parent intake may be important in helping to change the dietary intake of young children with overweight/obesity.

Do children and their parents eat a similar diet? Resemblance in child and parental dietary intake: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Parents are believed to have a strong influence on children's eating behaviours. However, previous findings on child-parent resemblance in dietary intakes are mixed. We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed the association (correlations) based on published studies.

METHODS

We searched related studies published since 1980 and found 24 studies meeting inclusion criteria for review and 15 for meta-regression analysis. We compared the associations between parent-child pairs, nutrients, over time and by dietary assessment method.

RESULTS

Most studies were based on small samples. Overall, they suggest a moderate or weak association, but findings varied remarkably. Our meta-analysis showed that average Fisher's transformed correlations were 0.20 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.28) for fat (% energy); for energy, 0.21 (0.18 to 0.24). The correlations varied by parent-child pairs, dietary assessment and countries. Food frequency questionnaires or mixed approaches yielded lower correlation than 24-h recalls or food records. Child self-reported intakes showed weaker correlation and better methodology quality showed stronger correlation in fat intake (% energy), which also became weaker over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the resemblance is weak, and it varied considerably across studies, nutrients, foods and parent-child pairs.

Activity and dietary habits of mothers and children: close ties

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between activity and dietary habits reported by mothers for themselves and their children aged 2 to 11 years.

DESIGN/METHODS

Cross-sectional, consecutive samples of parents at 13 primary care practices were surveyed on health behaviors. Survey questions were used to define 5 "healthy" habits: low-fat milk choice; low fast food use; low weekend screen time; low juice/sweet drinks intake; and high-frequency physical activity. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were applied.

RESULTS

Responses from a socioeconomically diverse group of 2115 mothers were analyzed. For each healthy behavior self-reported by the mother, the odds of the healthy behavior being reported for the child were significantly higher (range: odds ratio [OR] = 3.2 for high-frequency physical activity to OR = 19.7 for low-fat milk choice).

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers and children often have similar health habits. The impact of clinician counseling for children may be strengthened by promotion of healthy habits for their mothers.

Parent-child dietary intake resemblance in the United States: evidence from a large representative survey

We studied the association in dietary intakes and patterns between parents (aged 20-65 years) and their children (aged 2-18 years), using nationally representative data collected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals 1994-96. We analyzed two 24-h recall dietary data for 1061 fathers, 1230 mothers, 1370 sons and 1322 daughters. All analyses adjusted for sampling design complexity. We assessed multivariate-adjusted parent-child correlations in selected nutrients, food groups and overall dietary quality assessed using the new USDA 2005 Healthy Eating Index score (HEI(n)). The parent-child correlations were weak or moderate (0.20-0.33) for most intake measures. There were clear patterns of interaction with gender dyads in the intakes of calcium and dairy products (P<0.05 for dyadxparental intake), whereby multivariate-adjusted correlations in mother-daughter or mother-child dyads were significantly stronger compared to their father-child counterparts. The reverse was true for multivariate-adjusted correlations in HEI(n). Hispanics and other ethnic groups had significantly stronger resemblance than Non-Hispanic whites and blacks in soft drinks and HEI(n). Resemblance in general was stronger among older children, though the reverse was true when considering agreement in HEI(n)'s upper quintile. The influence of family income and parental education on the resemblance was small. In conclusion, parent-child dietary resemblance in the US is relatively weak, and varies by nutrients and food groups, and by the types of parent-child dyad and population groups. Factors other than parental eating behaviors seem to play an important role in affecting American young people's dietary intake.

Fat avoidance and replacement behaviors predict low-fat intake among urban African American adolescents

Using measures of behaviors shown to predict low-fat intake in previous research, this study examined whether the behaviors would predict low-fat intake among urban African American adolescents. Recruited through youth services agencies in Philadelphia, Pa, participants were 399 African American adolescents (67% female subjects) with a mean age of 13.09 years (range, 10-15 years). Fat-related dietary behaviors were measured using items that were adapted from the Food Habits Questionnaire. Fat intake was measured using the Block Fat Screener. Spearman correlations examined the relationships between fat-related dietary behaviors and fat intake. Seven behaviors were significantly associated with low-fat intake: had chicken that was baked or broiled instead of fried; ordered pasta or pizza served without meat sauce or meat toppings; had a vegetarian dinner; used low-calorie instead of regular salad dressing; ate at least 2 vegetables (not green salad) at dinner; ate bread, rolls, or muffins without butter or margarine; and avoided foods that were fried in oil, shortening, or lard. Using multiple regression, fat intake was regressed on the linear combination of demographic variables and these fat-related dietary behaviors. The regression equation accounted for 17% of the variance in fat intake (adjusted R(2) = 0.13). Fat avoidance (ate bread, rolls, or muffins without butter or margarine) and replacement (ordered pasta or pizza served without meat sauce or meat toppings) behaviors were significant predictors of low-fat intake. Dietary interventions to lower fat intake among urban African American adolescents should promote the adoption of these behaviors.

Resemblance in dietary intakes between urban low-income African-American adolescents and their mothers: the healthy eating and active lifestyles from school to home for kids study

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association and predictors of dietary intake resemblance between urban low-income African-American adolescents and their mothers.

METHODS

Detailed dietary data collected from 121 child-parent pairs in Chicago during fall 2003 were used. The association was assessed using correlation coefficients, kappa, and percentage of agreement, as well as logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, the association was weak as indicated by correlations and other measures. None of the mother-son correlations for nutrients and food groups were greater than 0.20. Mother-daughter pairs had stronger correlations (0.26 for energy and 0.30 for fat). The association was stronger in normal-weight mothers than in mothers with overweight or obesity. Logistic models showed that mother being a current smoker, giving child more pocket money, and allowing child to eat or purchase snacks without parental permission or presence predicted a higher probability of resemblance in undesirable eating patterns, such as high-energy, high-fat, and high-snack intakes (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mother-child diet association was generally weak, and varied considerably across groups and intake variables in this homogenous population. Some maternal characteristics seem to affect the association.

Dietary fat intake among urban, African American adolescents

This study examined commonly consumed high-fat food sources to estimate dietary fat intake among 314 urban, African American adolescents (mean age (SD)=12.57 (.98) years; 66% female; 91% African American non-Hispanic; and 9% African American Hispanic). Youths' fat intake was measured using the Block Fat Screener. Most (77%) participants had diets very high in fat (i.e., 40% to 50% of energy). Mean frequencies of consumption revealed youths' preferences for the following high-fat food items: corn chips, potato chips, popcorn, and crackers; fried chicken; and doughnuts, pastries, cake, and cookies. Total fat intake differed based on youths' age. Urban, African American adolescents can benefit from intervention to lower their fat intake. Programs that target and address the food preferences and eating habits of this population are clearly needed.

Parent overweight predicts daughters' increase in BMI and disinhibited overeating from 5 to 13 years

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether parental overweight status and disinhibited overeating are predictive of daughters' accelerated weight gain and disinhibited overeating.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Participants were part of a longitudinal study of girls (N = 197) and their parents. Measured height and weight were used to calculate BMI [weight (kilograms)/height (meters)(2)]. Parents' disinhibited eating behavior was assessed using the Eating Inventory. Girls' disinhibited eating was assessed using a behavioral protocol to measure eating in the absence of hunger. Girls were classified based on parental overweight at study entry into four groups: neither, mother only, father only, or both parents overweight.

RESULTS

Girls with both parents overweight had the most rapid increases in BMI from 5 to 13 years of age; BMI increased most slowly among the neither parent overweight group, with intermediate increases in BMI among mother only and father only overweight groups. Daughters with both parents overweight at study entry were eight times more likely to be overweight at age 13, controlling for daughters' weight at age 5. Girls with both parents overweight had higher levels of disinhibited eating across all ages than all other groups. Although girls in all parental weight status groups showed increases in disinhibited eating over time, girls with both parents overweight had larger increases in disinhibited eating over time compared with all other groups.

DISCUSSION

Girls growing up in families differing in parental overweight had divergent developmental trajectories for BMI and disinhibited overeating. Findings reveal the need to focus prevention efforts on overweight parents of young children.

Patterns and correlates of physical activity and nutrition behaviors in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of the prevalence, clustering, and correlates of multiple adolescent health behaviors can inform the design of health promotion interventions.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was used to assess 878 adolescents aged 11 to 15 years (53.6% girls, 58% non-Hispanic white) recruited in primary care clinics in 2001-2002. Adolescent physical activity (assessed with accelerometers), television viewing time (reported), percent calories from fat, and servings of fruits and vegetables (assessed with multiple 24-hour recalls) were dichotomized into meeting or not meeting national guidelines. Parent health behaviors were assessed with self-reported measures. Analyses were conducted in 2006.

RESULTS

Fifty-five percent of adolescents did not meet the physical activity guideline, and 30% exceeded 2 hours daily of television viewing time, with boys more active and less sedentary than girls (p <0.01). The majority of the adolescents did not meet dietary guidelines. Nearly 80% had multiple risk behaviors and only 2% met all four guidelines. The number of risk behaviors was associated with being older and being at risk for overweight or being overweight, for boys and girls (p <0.05). Two parent health behaviors-history of smoking and failure to meet the fruits and vegetables guideline-were significantly associated with a higher number of risk behaviors for girls (p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Eight of ten adolescents in this sample failed to meet guidelines for two or more diet, physical activity, and sedentary risk behaviors. Some parent health behaviors, along with the adolescent's weight status and age, were associated with a higher number of adolescent health risk behaviors.

Women Participating in a Dietary Intervention Trial Maintain Dietary Changes Without Much Effect on Household Members

This study examined whether subjects who participated in a 12-mo intervention would maintain their diets 1 yr after the study ended and whether the diets of household members were affected. Premenopausal women, who had at least one first-degree relative with breast cancer (n = 122), were randomized to one of four diets: control, low fat (15% of energy), high fruit and vegetable (FV, nine servings per day), and combination low fat, high FV. Study subjects and one household member were asked to complete the Block '95 food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at baseline, 1 yr, and 2 yr. Study subjects also completed 24-h recalls and 4-day food records at baseline and Year 1. Fat and FV intakes by all three assessment methods compared reasonably well except that fat intakes by FFQ were somewhat higher. FV intakes by FFQ in the high-FV and combination arms increased significantly from 4 servings per day to about 10 servings per day at Year 1 and 7 servings per day at Year 2. FV intakes increased much more modestly in the low-fat and control arms. Fat intakes in the low-fat and combination arms were lower at Year 1 than Year 2, but mean Year 2 fat intakes of 26-28% were still significantly lower than those at baseline. In household members, the only significant change was a small decrease in energy from fat at Year 1 in the household members of subjects who were in the combination arm. These results indicate that study subjects were making large dietary changes independently of their household members and that fat and FV intakes in study subjects 1 yr after intervention stopped were still substantially different from intakes at baseline.

Anthropometric, parental, and psychosocial correlates of dietary intake of African-American girls

OBJECTIVE

This paper identifies the anthropometric, parental, and psychosocial characteristics and meal practices (e.g., breakfast skipping and number of meals and snacks consumed) associated with consumption of total energy, percent energy from fat, fruit, 100% fruit juice, vegetables, sweetened beverages, and water among 8- to 10-year-old African-American girls.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This study included 114 8- to 10-year-old African-American girls and a parent or primary caregiver. Girls and a parent or primary caregiver completed several dietary questionnaires. Two 24-hour dietary recalls were conducted with each girl. Height and weight were measured. Separate hierarchical regression analyses were conducted for each dependent dietary variable; potential field center differences were examined.

RESULTS

The number of meals and snacks consumed was correlated with energy intake. Lower BMI was related to higher vegetable consumption, and the number of snacks consumed was positively related to sweetened beverage consumption. Greater low-fat food preparation practices reported by parents were related to lower consumption of fat as a percentage of total energy.

DISCUSSION

Dietary behavior differed across geographic areas. Low-fat food preparation practices in the home seemed to be an important influence on the percentage of energy consumed from fat. Greater vegetable consumption was associated with lower BMI. Interventions to prevent excessive weight gain in African-American girls should encourage low-fat food preparation in the home and greater consumption of vegetables.