Parental Influence on Adolescent Dietary Patterns
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the Study
The general objective of this study is to assess parental influence, and factors associated with the dietary patterns of adolescents in the study area. The specific objectives are to:
- determine the relationship between socio demographic characteristics of parents’ and adolescents’ and individual beliefs to their dietary patterns;
- identify the main dietary patterns among adolescents;
- identify level of parental involvement influencing dietary patterns of adolescents;
- assess associated factors influencing adolescent’s dietary patterns;
- examine the relationship between accessibility and availability of food products and dietary patterns of adolescents at the household level;
- assess the difference between dietary patterns of adolescents across parents’ socioeconomic status and
- examine the relationship between parents’ education and socioeconomic status associated with dietary patterns of the adolescents.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Adolescence is a critical period of development marked by physical, emotional, and social changes. During this phase, teenagers tend to form their own opinions and make independent choices, including their dietary habits. However, parental influence plays a significant role in shaping adolescent dietary behaviors.(Respati, 2006)
Studies have shown that parents have a direct impact on the eating habits of their children. Parental modeling is one of the most critical factors that influence adolescent dietary behavior. Adolescents tend to model the eating behaviors of their parents and caregivers. Therefore, parents who adopt healthy eating habits are more likely to have children who make healthy food choices. In contrast, parents who consume unhealthy foods may indirectly encourage their children to do the same. Riset Kesehatan Dasar. (2013).
Parental control is another important factor that influences adolescent dietary habits. Parents who exercise strict control over their children’s food choices may promote unhealthy eating behaviors, including overeating and binge eating. On the other hand, parents who allow their children to make independent choices regarding their food tend to have children who make healthier choices. (Rozenblat 2017)
Furthermore, parents play a crucial role in creating a healthy food environment in the home. Parents who stock their homes with nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, encourage healthy eating habits among their children. In contrast, parents who regularly purchase and consume unhealthy foods, such as fast foods and sugary snacks, create an unhealthy food environment that promotes unhealthy eating behaviors among adolescents. Sarintohe & Prawitasari. (2006)
Finally, parental communication regarding healthy eating is critical for promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents. Parents who engage in regular conversations with their children about healthy eating tend to have children who make healthier food choices. These conversations may include discussions about the benefits of eating healthy, the risks of consuming unhealthy foods, and strategies for making healthier food choices.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Parental influence on Adolescent dietary patterns. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing Parental influence on Adolescent dietary patterns
Summary
This study was on Parental influence on Adolescent dietary patterns. Three objectives were raised which included: determine the relationship between socio demographic characteristics of parents’ and adolescents’ and individual beliefs to their dietary patterns, identify the main dietary patterns among adolescents, identify level of parental involvement influencing dietary patterns of adolescents, assess associated factors influencing adolescent’s dietary patterns, examine the relationship between accessibility and availability of food products and dietary patterns of adolescents at the household level, assess the difference between dietary patterns of adolescents across parents’ socioeconomic status and examine the relationship between parents’ education and socioeconomic status associated with dietary patterns of the adolescents. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Alimosho local government area, Lagos state, Nigeria. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
There were significant gender differences in the authoritarian parenting style, feeding patterns, and eating behavior between two groups of adolescents. Male adolescents reported higher scores of authoritarian parenting styles that they received from their mothers compared to female adolescents. Female adolescents reported higher scores of feeding patterns than male adolescents. Female adolescents were also better in eating behavior than male adolescents
Recommendation
Based on the findings of this study, suggestions that can be given are as follows: (1) Parents especially mothers can improve feeding practices through habituation in providing nutritional intake and control of poor eating behavior; (2) Adolescents can improve good eating behaviors by establishing positive responses to food and realizing the need of foods for life. This step can be realized through habits such as, eating on time, eating together, paying attention to the type of food consumed, and avoiding eating disorders such as spitting food intentionally and skipping meals and/or no eating; (3) Schools should provide teaching and learning about healthy living, especially good eating behavior; (4) The government should increase the socialization of good eating behavior and education in the family regarding eating patterns and eating disorders among adolescents; and (5) Future research may want to investigate other predicting factors on adolescent eating behavior, such as peers and adolescent knowledge.
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