Prácticas de estudiantes universitarios relacionados con la alimentación de sus hijos preescolares

Abstract

Introduction: Different parenting styles may or may not favor healthy eating behaviors in children. Restriction, pressure to eat, and the use of food for behavioral control generate negative responses to food. Positive role modeling can promote a healthy diet. The adoption of a particular parenting style may be mediated by demographic and socioeconomic factors. Objective: We identified the parenting practices of college students related to the feeding of their children and evaluated if there were differences according to socio-demographic and economic characteristics. Methodology: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in 43 undergraduate students of a Colombian public university with children of preschool age and permanent cohabitation. Parenting style was identified using the Parental Feeding Practices questionnaire. Age, socioeconomic level and income, weight and height of the university student, among others, were analyzed. Results: The students’ practices were oriented to positive role modeling. Age, demographic and socioeconomic factors related to type of parenting practice. Conclusion: This study provides information on the style of upbringing in relation to some demographic and socioeconomic factors in a population little explored, which will serve as a reference for future studies.