Food choices of 9‐17‐ year olds in Northern Ireland – influences and challenges

Abstract

Few studies have concentrated on the food choices of young people and the potential influences, yet the food choices established in these early years can determine the diet and quality of health in later life. This study investigates the diet and food choices of 9-17-year olds in Northern Ireland and considers the potential effects of age, gender and socioeconomic grouping. A range of research methods was implemented including observations, questionnaires and diet based case studies. The observations, in five schools, indicated the types of foods being chosen whilst the questionnaires further investigated this initial information along with other factors, to obtain more detailed data. A total of 764 questionnaires were administered to young people and 516 to parents to facilitate comparison. In-depth diet based case studies also took place evaluating the diets of 14 young people.

Is Healthy Eating Behaviour Common Among School Adolescents in Mauritius?

“…As teens become more independent, they make more of their own food choices. Nevertheless, being influenced by a multitude of factors (biological, social, physical, economic, psychosocial, attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about food) and changing of lifestyle may affect their dietary choices and eating behaviours, thus making them fail to adhere to healthy eating practices 5,6 .…”

Assessing, understanding and modifying nutritional status, eating habits and physical activity in European adolescents: The HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study

“…Reasons for these preferences and consumption patterns can range from innate food preferences and familiarity 85,86 to social and environmental influences 87 . Although many adolescents demonstrate awareness and knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating, it does appear they find it difficult putting this theory into practice 84,86,88,89 . A lack of understanding about how to communicate dietary messages effectively is hindering the innovation of products that can contribute to consumer health, wellbeing and enhanced industrial competitiveness 90 .…”

“…In general terms these may include availability, convenience, cost, influence of peers, parents, hunger and health concerns [87][88][89] . However, one of the most important determinants of food choice is the adolescents' food preferences.…”

Teenage Diet: Context and Companions Determine Eating Habits

“…En la adolescencia se adquieren y se afianzan comportamientos alimentarios que resultan de la interacción con el contexto sociocultural, de la familia, los amigos, el colegio y, últimamente, los medios de comunicación, todos los cuales influyen en las prácticas relacionadas con la alimentación de los adolescentes (23,24,25). En esta etapa de la vida la familia constituye una gran influencia en las creencias (26), en las prácticas alimentarias, y en la selección y consumo de alimentos (23,27,28,29,30).…”

“…En esta etapa de la vida la familia constituye una gran influencia en las creencias (26), en las prácticas alimentarias, y en la selección y consumo de alimentos (23,27,28,29,30). En el contexto familiar la madre ejerce la mayor influencia (31,32,33), en gran parte porque es la encargada de comprar y preparar los alimentos (34, 35).…”