Effects of Economic Status, Eating with Adults, and at-Home Meal Preparation while in Junior High School, on the Frequency of Vegetable Intake in Adulthood

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of an individual’s economic status and frequency of eating with adults and at-home meal preparation while in junior high school on his/her vegetable intake frequency in adulthood. We selected men and women aged 20-49 years via an internet survey. The survey comprised data on participants’ current height and weight; weight at 20 years of age; economic status, frequency of eating with adults, and frequency of at-home meal preparation while in junior high school; and current vegetable intake frequency. The current vegetable intake frequency was significantly higher among individuals who were wealthier while in junior high school than among their poorer counterparts (OR: 2.56 [95% CI: 1.53-4.31], p=0.0004, p for trend=0.0003). Individuals who ate breakfast with an adult and those who prepared meals at home more frequently when in junior high school had a significantly higher current vegetable intake frequency ([eating with adults] OR: 1.89 [95% CI: 1.31-2.71], p=0.001, p for trend=0.001 [at-home meal preparation] OR: 4.71 [95% CI: 2.69-8.24], p<0.0001, p for trend <0.0001). Thus, eating breakfast with adults and at-home meal preparation during junior high school was associated with higher current vegetable intake frequency, independent of the economic status during junior high school.