Jornal de Pediatria ()

Daily meal frequency and associated variables in children and adolescents,

  • Fabiana A. Silva,
  • Samara M. Candiá,
  • Marina S. Pequeno,
  • Daniela S. Sartorelli,
  • Larissa L. Mendes,
  • Renata M.S. Oliveira,
  • Michele P. Netto,
  • Ana Paula C. Cândido

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jped.2016.04.008
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 93, no. 1
pp. 79 – 86

Abstract

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Abstract: Objective: To investigate the frequency distribution of daily meals and its relation to demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, anthropometric and biochemical factors in children and adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 708 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years. Data on personal information, socioeconomic status, physical activity and number of meals were obtained through semi-structured questionnaire and consumption by 24-h recall and food record. Weight and height measurements were also performed to calculate the body mass index. Finally, blood samples were collected for analysis of total cholesterol, high- and low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and glucose levels. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney test, and Poisson regression were used in statistical analysis. Results: Meal frequency 2 (PR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.11-2.11; p = 0.010). Even in the age group of 10-14 years, <4 meals was related to higher prevalence of body mass index (PR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.02-1.74; p = 0.032) and low-density lipoprotein (PR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03-1.87; p = 0.030) higher after adjustments. Conclusion: Lower frequency of meals was related to lower income in children and adolescents, larger number of sons in the family, and increased values of body mass index and low-density lipoprotein.

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