Influence of parental education levels on eating habits of pupils in Nigerian primary schools

Abstract

This study investigated the eating habits of pupils in Nigerian primary schools based on the respective education levels of their parents. Data were obtained using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). Participants included a total of 144 pupils who were purposively selected from 6 primary schools. Based on responses, a cross-sectional analytic study design was implemented to investigate how parental education levels (PELs) influenced the eating habits of their children. Data assessment was performed using a one-way between-group analysis of variance at the .05 probability level. PELs significantly affected the eating habits of participants, respectively. Specifically, low PEL was associated with more satiety responsiveness to food ( F [2, 141] = 14.251, P < .001), higher responsiveness to food ( F [2, 141] = 36.943, P = <.001) greater food enjoyment ( F [2, 141] = 93.322, P < .001), greater drinking desires ( F [2, 141] = 23.677, P < .001), and the tendency for emotional over-eating ( F [2, 141] = 13.428, P < .001), while high PEL was associated with slower eating ( F [2, 141] = 11.665, P < .001), fussier responses to food ( F [2, 141] = 14.865, P < .001), and a higher tendency for emotional under-eating ( F [2, 141] = 5.137, P < .01). This study examined PELs in relation to the respective eating habits of their children, who were attending Nigerian primary schools. Data showed that children with parents who had high, middle, and low education levels tended to exhibit progressively worse eating habits, in descending order.

Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthy Eating among Adolescents in Chongqing, China: An Empirical Study Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling

“…They play a crucial role in imparting their knowledge to their adolescent children through conversations, acting as role models, and creating an environment that supports healthy eating habits [ 54 ]. Parental education is frequently associated with higher socioeconomic status, which can further influence adolescents’ access to resources and opportunities for healthy eating [ 55 , 56 ]. The advantages of the educational environment in urban areas, as mentioned above, contribute to improved knowledge and positive attitudes toward healthy eating among adolescents.…”

What is the level of nutrition literacy of Saudi adolescents? A national wide exploratory cross-sectional study

“…Parental-related factors, including the education level and the primary caregiver, were also shown to contribute to determining adolescents' nutrition literacy level in the present study. In this regard, one study showed that low-educated parents typically have children with unhealthy eating habits ( 53 ). The family structure that a child grows up in will actively participate in developing and supporting behaviors that will stick with him or her throughout their life.…”

Effect of Learner-Centred Nutritional Counselling Program on Eating Behaviours of Students in Middle Basic Education Classes

“…There is a growing number of current studies which suggest that nutrition education and nutritional counselling are very much required to improve the eating behaviours of students at the Nigerian basic education level [18][19] [20]. Hegazy et al [21] stated that the provision of nutritional counselling might be related to substantial improvement in individual's dietary outcomes, nutritional knowledge, nutritional practices, health status and their feat in daily life activities.…”