The Comparison of Food Eating Models of Mothers and Their Daughters

Abstract

The aim of the work was to compare models of food eating by mothers and their daughters. The study included 97 pairs of mothers (43.3±6.0 years old) and their daughters (16.0±3.1 years old). Food intake was described by food frequency intake method using the calibrated FFQ questionnaire. Products were aggregated into 15 groups using the factor analysis and the tree diagram. Using the clusters analysis separately for mothers and daughters clusters were separated, that corresponded with characteristic eating models. Significant correlation between the amount of food eaten by mothers and daughters was proven for all 15 groups of products (from 0.25 to 0.57; p<0.01). Mothers and daughters had two eating models separated, called moderate (64% of mothers and 65% of daughters) and varying (36% and 35%, respectively). Similar eating models were stated for about 51% of pairs for the moderate model and about 21% of pairs for the varying model. Mothers and daughters with similar eating models differed in intake of only some products, mostly fish and sea fruit, vegetables and juices. In total, a lack of significant differences in the amount of food consumed by mother-daughter pairs was revealed for 67% of products in the varying model and 60% of products in the moderate model. The obtained results indicate on a big similarity of mothers and daughters eating models. It may affect pro-healthy attitudes of girls and finally determine generational influences on people`s health.