Maternal correlates of vegetable preference and consumption in preschool-aged children

Abstract

Purpose: Considering the various health benefits of vegetables, it is necessary to identify maternal correlates of vegetable preference and consumption in children for shaping desirable vegetable-related eating habits. This study aimed to investigate the maternal factors related to vegetable preferences and consumption in preschool-aged children. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that surveyed 303 mother-child pairs (146 boys, 157 girls) to explore general characteristics, vegetable preferences, and cooked vegetable consumption in mothers and children using a questionnaire method. Maternal correlates of the child’s vegetable preference and consumption were tested using a generalized linear model using SAS program. Results: Mothers' vegetable preferences and consumption were significantly higher than those in their children (p < 0.001). Mothers' vegetable preferences showed a significant positive correlation with the vegetable preferences of their children (mother-son, p < 0.001; mother-daughter, p < 0.001). Additionally, mothers' cooked vegetable consumption showed a significant positive correlation with the cooked vegetable consumption of children (mother-son, p < 0.001; mother-daughter, p < 0.001). Mothers' vegetable preferences and consumption respectively increased those of their children, in both boys and girls. Conclusion: Findings that mothers' vegetable preference and consumption correlates of children's vegetable preferences and consumption, indicate the importance of the mothers' role in increasing vegetable consumption in children. Mothers should be aware of the effects of their vegetable eating habits on their children's vegetable consumption and try to develop healthy eating habits. We suggest that the government or local communities provide nutrition education for mothers to adopt healthy eating habits and present information to educate their children on food and healthy dietary habits.