Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Dutch and Non-Western Children
Author Information
Author(s): Saskia J te Velde, Marianne Wind, Frank J van Lenthe, Knut-Inge Klepp, Johannes Brug
Primary Institution: Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine differences in usual fruit and vegetable intake between native Dutch and non-Western ethnic minority children and to study the mediating effects of psychosocial and environmental determinants.
Conclusion
Ethnic minority girls in the Netherlands appear to have more favorable fruit intakes than Dutch girls, and ethnic minority children in general show more positive prerequisites for fruit and vegetable consumption.
Supporting Evidence
- Ethnic minority girls ate fruit more frequently than Dutch girls.
- Dutch children reported lower scores on determinants of fruit and vegetable intake compared to ethnic minority children.
- Knowledge of recommendations and parental facilitation mediated the association between ethnicity and fruit consumption.
Takeaway
This study found that girls from ethnic minority backgrounds eat more fruit than Dutch girls, and that their parents help them eat healthier.
Methodology
Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires completed by 10-11 year-old children in primary schools in Rotterdam, measuring fruit and vegetable consumption and potential determinants.
Potential Biases
Potential bias may arise from self-reported data and the exclusion of Western immigrant children.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, limiting the ability to infer causation, and the sample is drawn from only one city in the Netherlands.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 10-11 years, with 51.4% from non-Western immigrant backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
[0.002–0.50]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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