Factors Related to the Eating Habits of Students in Grades 9–12

Abstract

This study examined the influence of demographic characteristics and selected family factors on consumption of a healthy breakfast and lunch and consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was completed by a representative sample (n = 3,155) of students from all high schools in a suburban county near Atlanta, Georgia. Students consuming healthy breakfasts, healthy lunches, and more fruits and vegetables were more likely to be White or Asian (lunch/fruits and vegetables only), better able to communicate with parents or guardians on serious issues, closely monitored by their parents, living with one or both parents, spending less time at home without adults, perceiving themselves at about the right weight or underweight (lunch/breakfast only), male (lunch/breakfast only), and in 9th or 10th grade (breakfast only). These results suggest family factors should be considered in the development and implementation of nutrition interventions.