Journal List > Korean J Community Nutr > v.20(1) > 1038495

Kim, Lee, and Kim: Sodium-related Eating Behaviors of Parents and Its Relationship to Eating Behaviors of Their Preschool Children

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine mothers’ eating behavior and salty taste and its relationship to their preschool children's eating behaviors.

Methods

This survey was conducted by self-report after getting permission from sixty one mothers who had preschool children. The questionnaire was focused on mothers' salty test and salt-related eating behavior of both mothers and their preschool children.

Results

Comparison of eating behavior score between mother and their preschoolers showed that mothers' score was lower than their preschoolers' one. Salty foods with high preference and intake frequency by mothers and preschoolers were 'salted dry fish, stock fish' and 'soup, stew, noodle soup'. In addition, there were strong positive correlations between preference and intake frequency on most of the salty food items. Intake of Ramen soup was significantly different (p < 0.001) between the two groups. Preschoolers ate less ramen soup compared to their mothers.

Conclusions

Overall results showed that preschoolers' dietary behavior was better than the mothers' one. However, preschoolers' dietary behavior was significantly influenced by their mothers. Therefore, mothers should have an appropriate eating behavior in order to have a positive influence on their children's eating habits. In addition, the results suggested that proper nutrition education is needed for mothers of preschool children.

Figures and Tables

Table 1

General characteristics of the study subjects

kjcn-20-11-i001
Table 2

Perception of salty taste by mothers

kjcn-20-11-i002

1) Scored 1 to 5 points (Bland=1, slightly bland=2, Neither bland nor salty=3, slightly salty=4, Salty=5)

2) Mean±SD

Table 3

Comparison of eating behavior between mothers and their preschoolers

kjcn-20-11-i003

1) N (%)

*: p < 0.05, **: p < 0.01, ***: p < 0.001 significantly different between mothers and preschoolers, respectively by χ2-test

Table 4

Comparison of eating behavior score between mothers and their preschoolers

kjcn-20-11-i004

1) Mean±SD

**: p < 0.01, ***: p < 0.001 significantly different between mothers and preschoolers, respectively, by paired t-test

Table 5

Comparison of preference on salty foods between mothers and their preschoolers

kjcn-20-11-i005

1) Scored 1 to 3 points (Dislike=1, Normal=2, Like=3)

2) Mean±SD

*: p < 0.05, **: p < 0.01, ***: p < 0.001 significantly different between mothers and their preschoolers, respectively by paired t-test

Table 6

Comparison of consumption frequency of salty foods between mothers and their preschoolers

kjcn-20-11-i006

1) Scored 1 to 3 points (Don't eat frequently=1, Normal=2, Eat frequently=3)

2) Mean±SD

**: p < 0.01, ***: p < 0.001 significantly different between mothers and their preschoolers, respectively by paired t-test

Table 7

Correlation between preference and consumption frequency on salty foods

kjcn-20-11-i007

**: p <0.01 by Pearson's correlation analysis

Table 8

Comparison of dietary behavior related to eating soup, stew, ramen, and snacks

kjcn-20-11-i008

1) N (%)

2) Plural response

***: p < 0.001 significantly different between mothers and preschoolers by χ2-test

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