Determinants of BMI in parents and children: the roles of food insecurity and Mediterranean diet adherence
BMC Pediatrics, cilt.26, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 26 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12887-026-07082-0
- Dergi Adı: BMC Pediatrics
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: BMI, Childhood obesity, Food insecurity, Household, Mediterranean diet, Nutrition
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Increasing food insecurity among children is associated with poorer diet quality, unhealthy dietary patterns, and adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationships between food insecurity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, childhood obesity, and socio-demographic factors among school-aged children in Türkiye. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Türkiye, among 775 parents aged 18–65 and their children aged 6–14 who were attending primary and secondary school. Data were collected via an online survey. The questionnaire assessed demographic and socio-economic characteristics, anthropometric measurements of parents and children, meal patterns, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and food insecurity status. Household food insecurity status was assessed using the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM), and children’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED). The obesity status of children was assessed using body mass index (BMI)- for-age percentile values from the WHO growth reference standards. Results: Food insecurity was identified in 27.9% of households. Households experiencing food insecurity had larger household sizes, more children, and fewer employed individuals (p < 0.01). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among parents experiencing food insecurity, and parental BMI was significantly associated with food insecurity (p < 0.05). Among children, the food-insecure group had higher rates of overweight and obesity based on BMI-for-age classification (p < 0.05). No significant difference in total KIDMED scores was observed across food insecurity status or BMI categories (p > 0.05). In the regression analysis, the number of children and total income were significantly associated with household food insecurity (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that food insecurity among school-aged children in Türkiye remains an important public health issue. It was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in both parents and children, as well as with larger household size and lower socio-economic status. The findings indicate the need to assess childhood food insecurity and to implement targeted interventions for at-risk groups.