Changes over time of fruit, vegetable and sweets consumption among European adolescents and associations with sociodemographic characteristics: an HBSC study

Abstract

Background European adolescents do not eat enough fruits and vegetables and have a high sweets consumption. This study aims to analyse the changes in time of dietary behaviours related to sociodemographic characteristics, among European adolescents. Methods Health Behaviour in School Age Children data (2013/14 to 2017/18), of European adolescents, aged 11- to15-year-old, were used. Family Affluence Scale identified socioeconomic status (SES). Changes in time of dietary behaviours and associations with sociodemographic characteristics were estimated by binary and multilevel logistic regression. Results 182 719 adolescents were included, and 10/36 European countries showed a significant increase in daily fruit and vegetable consumption and 12/36 countries a significant decrease in sweets consumption over 4 years. The multilevel analysis showed that 13- and 15-year-old adolescents consumed fewer daily fruits and vegetables (P < 0.001) and more daily sweets (P < 0.001) than 11-year-old adolescents. Also, 15-year-old adolescents’ sweets consumption change over time was less favourable (P = 0.006). Girls consumed more daily fruits, vegetables and sweets than boys (P < 0.001). Low SES adolescents consumed fewer daily fruits and vegetables than medium/high SES adolescents. Additionally, the low SES adolescents’ vegetable consumption change over time was less favourable (P < 0.001). Conclusions Dietary behaviour policy recommendations should be adapted for the sex, age and SES of the population.