Influence of Family Behaviour on Adolescents’ Eating Habits in Karbala City, Iraq
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2025.v17isupp1.006Abstract
Background: Teenagers in the age range of 10 to 19 years are in a developmental stage where they experience significant physical and mental growth as they transition from puberty to adulthood. Examining the interpersonal effects that influence health behaviours in the context of parent-adolescent relationships is especially significant and rich. Objectives: To identify the family behaviours concerning adolescents’ eating habits in Holy Karbala city, specifically to find-out the differences in family behaviours and adolescents’ eating habits according to their demographic characteristics. Methods: The study design is cross-sectional and stratified sampling method which was conducted at 373 teenagers aged 10 to 19 years, to assess the “Influence of Family Behaviours on Eating Habits among Secondary School Students” in Holy Karbala city centre at 20 governmental secondary schools in education directorate. Students in secondary schools filled out Eating Habits Questionnaires (EHQs) to provide the data. The questionnaire format comprising two sections was designed to cover all aspects of the study; the section one includes demographic characteristics and section two includes family behaviours. The data collected during May 2024. Results: It revealed that most of adolescents (98.9%) live with their families and less than half of adolescents (48.3%) strongly agrees that they enjoy eating meals with their family, and vast majority of them (92.8%) have good level of family behaviours regarding eating habits. Also, the findings indicated a significant impact of family behaviours on the eating habits of adolescents, particularly in relation to the father's level of education. As well, it demonstrated that the occupation of the father had a significant impact on the family behaviours of adolescents. Conclusion: The investigation reveals that elevated levels of positive family behaviours improve the quality of adolescents’ eating habits. Recommendations through the nurse’s role in educating the families’ adolescents to promote healthier food choices.
Keywords:
Adolescent, Eating Behaviours, Family, Nursing EducationDownloads
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