Perceived Parental and Peer Social Support Is Associated With Healthier Diets in Adolescents

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2019 Jan;51(1):23-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2018.10.003.

Abstract

Objective: Investigate associations between perceived parental/peer support for a healthy diet and adolescent dietary behaviors using data from the 2009-2011 School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) survey.

Design: A secondary analysis of SPAN, a cross-sectional statewide study using a validated self-administered questionnaire, assessed obesity-related behaviors.

Setting: Probability-based sample of Texas 8th- and 11th-grade students.

Participants: A total of 6,716 8th- and 11th-grade students.

Main outcome measures: Obtained by self-report and included sugary beverage consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, and SPAN healthy eating score.

Analysis: Multiple logistic regression and linear regression were used to determine associations, controlling for demographic variables.

Results: For every 1-point increase in parental support (range, 0-12), adolescents had 1.19 times higher odds of consuming ≥1 fruits or vegetables/d (P < .001) and 1.1 times lower odds of consuming ≥2 sugary beverages/d (P < .05), and had a SPAN healthy eating score (range, -100 to 100) that was 1.6 points higher (P < .001). For every 1-point increase in peer support, adolescents had 1.14 times higher odds of consuming ≥1 fruits and vegetables/d (P < .001) and a higher SPAN healthy eating score (P < .05).

Conclusions and implications: Parental/peer support was associated with healthier dietary behaviors. Future research could conduct pre-post intervention studies to determine whether an increase in parental/peer support is associated with positive changes in healthier eating.

Keywords: adolescents; dietary behaviors; parents; peers; perceived social support.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet, Healthy* / psychology
  • Diet, Healthy* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents*
  • Peer Group*
  • Social Support*
  • Texas / epidemiology