Relationship between Adolescents' and Their Friends' Eating Behaviors: Breakfast, Fruit, Vegetable, Whole-Grain, and Dairy Intake

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between adolescents’ and friends’ healthy eating behaviors, specifically breakfast, fruit, vegetable, whole grain and dairy food intake as reported by both adolescents and their friends. Data for this study were drawn from EAT-2010 (Eating and Activity among Teens), a population-based study examining multi-level factors of eating, physical activity, and weight-related outcomes among adolescents (80% racial/ethnic minority) in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota during the 2009–2010 academic year. In-class surveys were completed by 2043 adolescents in 20 schools. Adolescents identified friends from a class roster; friends’ survey data were then linked to each participant. Generalized estimating equation linear regression models were used to examine associations between adolescents’ healthy eating behaviors and these behaviors from their friends (friend group and best friends), adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Significant positive associations were found for breakfast eating between adolescents and their friend groups and best friends (friend groups β=0.26, p<0.001; best friends β=0.19, p=0.004), as well was for whole grain (friend groups β=0.14, p<0.001; best friends β=0.13, p=0.003) and dairy food intake (friend groups β=0.08, p=0.014; best friends β=0.09, p=0.002). Adolescents’ and their best friends’ vegetable intake were also significantly related (β=0.09, p=0.038). No associations were seen among friends for fruit intake. Findings from this study suggest that adolescent friends exhibit similarities in healthy eating patterns. Dietitians and health professional may consider developing strategies to engage friends to promote adolescents’ healthy dietary behaviors.

Following family or friends. Social norms in adolescent healthy eating

“…Previous research has also found correlations between adolescents' and their friends' eating behaviour (Bruening et al, 2012) suggesting that friends influence each other (Ball, Jeffery, Abbott, McNaughton, & Crawford, 2010;Salvy, de la Haye, Bowker, & Hermans, 2012) and/or conform to common norms (Stead, McDermott, MacKintosh, & Adamson, 2011). It has also been found that friends influence healthy eating negatively (Fitzgerald et al, 2013) by sometimes encouraging adolescents to consume unhealthy foods (Croll, Neumark-Sztainer, & Story, 2001).…”

La red social del adolescente: la influencia de la amistad en el desarrollo de hábitos obesogénicos

“…(21)(22)(23) . Ali et al (22) encontraron en su estudio una asociación positiva entre el individuo y sus amigos en relación a la frecuentación de restaurantes de comida rápida al igual que De la Haye et al (21) , encontraron en esta misma línea, correlación significativa entre el consumo de snacks y comida rápida.…”

“…Ali et al (22) encontraron en su estudio una asociación positiva entre el individuo y sus amigos en relación a la frecuentación de restaurantes de comida rápida al igual que De la Haye et al (21) , encontraron en esta misma línea, correlación significativa entre el consumo de snacks y comida rápida. Bruening et al (23) clasificaron la amistad como "grupo de amigos" y "mejores amigos" viendo que podría haber diferentes influencias en función de la intensidad del lazo de unión. Efectivamente se encontró asociación significativa entre el grupo de "mejores amigos" y los adolescentes en cuanto a la ingesta del desayuno, de cereales de grano entero, de productos lácteos y en el consumo de verduras, aunque reconoce poca significancia o más bien nula si nos referimos a las frutas.…”

“…Efectivamente se encontró asociación significativa entre el grupo de "mejores amigos" y los adolescentes en cuanto a la ingesta del desayuno, de cereales de grano entero, de productos lácteos y en el consumo de verduras, aunque reconoce poca significancia o más bien nula si nos referimos a las frutas. (23) .…”

Faktor Dominan Konsumsi Buah dan Sayur pada Remaja di SMPN 98 Jakarta

“…Pengaruh teman sebaya secara signifikan berasosiasi positif dengan asupan buah dan sayur [20,32,33]. Ketersediaan buah dan sayur di rumah juga berasosiasi dengan asupan buah dan sayur.…”