Correlation in food intake between parents and adolescents depends on socioeconomic level

The present study examined the correlation between the food intake of adolescents and that of their parents according to socioeconomic variables. A population-based survey conducted in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1996 evaluated food consumption using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The mothers (486) and fathers (391) of adolescents (287 boys and 256 girls) between 12 and 18 years old answered the food frequency questionnaire. Analyses of food intake fell into 8 groups: rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, milk products, meat/pork/chicken, soda, and sweets. Correlations of food portion intake between parents and adolescents were assessed using the Spearman coefficient correlation. Adolescents consume more sweets (P < .001), soda (P < .01), and milk (P < .01) than their parents; parents eat more vegetables (P < .001). Rice and bean intake was higher, (P < .05) and soda (P = .03) and fruit (P = .01) intake lower among poorer families. The food intake of parents and adolescents displayed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.31-0.63; P < .001), except in relation to vegetables and sweets, wherein consumption was better correlated among the poorest families (r = 0.43 for vegetables and r = 0.28 for sweets; P < .03). Although we found a strong correlation in food intake between parents and adolescents for food groups such as soda and sweets, these correlations tend to decrease in families just above the poverty level. Promotion of healthy eating among adolescents just above the poverty level should be directed toward both family and adolescents.