The Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Food Consumption of Portuguese Children and Adolescents: Results From the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2015-2016

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the association between socioeconomic factors and the food consumption of the young population. Participants were from the Portuguese National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015-2016) aged from 3 to 17 years (n=1153). Food consumption was assessed using two non-consecutive days of food diaries in children and two 24-hour recalls for adolescents. A latent class analysis was used to classify children's socioeconomic status (SCC), categorized in low, middle or high. The associations between socioeconomic variables and food consumption were evaluated through linear or logistic regression models, weighed for the Portuguese population distribution. A positive association was found between belonging to a higher level of SCC and consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV), by children [β= 2.4 (95%CI:1.1; 3.8)] and by adolescents [β= 52.4 (95%CI: 9.6;95.3)]. A higher SCC, but particularly higher maternal education, was positively associated with consumption of 'white meat, fish and eggs'. Both higher SCC, and parental education, was positively associated with salty snacks' consumption in the adolescents' group. In conclusion, children and adolescents with higher educated parents and belonging to a high socioeconomic level have a higher daily intake of FV and white meat, fish and eggs. Socioeconomic factors play an important role in justifying differences in the food consumption of children and adolescents and must be considered in future interventions. The relationship between higher socioeconomic position and salty intake consumption in adolescents needs to be further explored in other populations.

Keywords: Portugal; children; dietary intake; national survey.; socioeconomic.