Association between family meals vs. diet quality and leisure activities of young rural residents.

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Research is required to better understand the variables related to the frequency and cohesiveness of family meals. The aim of the study was to determine the association of eating meals with the family with other types of eating behaviours, sedentary behaviours, and physical activity based on a self-reported questionnaire carried out on a sample of the Polish population of rural adolescents.

Material and methods: The analysis was performed among adolescents living in rural areas who participated in a survey conducted within the framework of the 'Trzymaj formę!' ('Keep Fit!') programme on eating behaviours. The survey questionnaire was completed by 2,362 teenagers aged 13-16.

Results: Generally, positive evidence in terms of eating behaviours resulted in a higher likelihood of eating meals together with family. Not eating breakfast resulted in a decreased chance of eating meals together with the family. The results show that with regard to the use of computers at weekends, in the case of using them for a rather limited time, i.e. from 0.5-2 hours a day, there was a greater chance of having meals together.

Conclusions: The results confirm the role of educational programmes in increasing the chances of sharing meals with the family, which confirms the validity of conducting this type of education among children and adolescents. It can be also concluded that the more positive eating behaviours of the surveyed junior high students aged 13-16, consisting in more frequent consumption of fruit, greater consumption of cereal products, and more water consumed during the day, is proof of the positive influence of parents on the nutritional behaviour of their children. This is consistent with good intra-family relationships reflected in a greater tendency to spend time together over a family meal.