Effects of parents on primary and secondary school students' breakfast behaviors in four cities in China

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of parents on primary and secondary school students' breakfast behaviors in four cities in China. METHODS: A stratified random cluster sampling method was used to recruit subjects. A total of 10 545 primary and secondary students and their parents were selected from Shenyang, Guangzhou, Wuhan and Chengdu. A questionnaire survey was used to collect information about frequency and nutrition quality of their breakfast. RESULTS: Primary and secondary school students' breakfast behaviors were positively correlated with their parents'. Compared with not eating breakfast, the OR( 95% CI) values of parents eating 1 to 3 times, 4 to 6 times and 7 times breakfast a week were 2. 917( 1. 856-4. 585), 4. 323( 3. 010-6. 208) and 5. 829( 4. 317-7. 870), respectively. Compared with poor nutrition quality, the OR( 95% CI)values of adequate and good nutrition quality of parents' breakfast were 1. 875( 1. 542-2. 280) and 6. 372( 5. 270-7. 704). The higher the educational level of parents, the more likely students did not eat breakfast, but the more adequate nutrition quality of breakfast. CONCLUSION: Parents' breakfast behaviors greatly influence on the students'. Interventions should be taken against the different educational levels of parents.