Dietary Practices of South Carolina Adolescents and Their Parents

Anca Codruta Rafiroiu, MD, PhD; Edna Page Anderson, PhD; Roger G Sargent, PhD; Alexandra Evans, PhD, MPH  

Objective: To assess and identify correlates of adolescents’ and parents’ compliance with food guide pyramid recommendations (FGPR) and weight-control behaviors (WCB). Methods: Data were collected from a random sample of adolescents (2,021) and parents (1,231) and were analyzed using multiple and logistic regression. Results: Only 7% eight graders, 4% eleventh graders, and 3% parents met all FGPR. The most significant predictors of FGPR and WCB include knowledge, attitudes, and eating concerns. Extreme dieters were less likely and moderate dieters were more likely to meet recommendations. Conclusion: Results have relevance for developing nutritional programs for adolescents.
Am J Health Behav 2002;26(3):200-212