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M.Ya. Studenikin Russian Pediatric Journal

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Analysis of Parental Literacy in Healthy Nutrition

https://doi.org/10.46563/2026-1-2-2042

Abstract

Introduction. Parental literacy in matters of nutrition is a factor capable of significantly influencing eating behavior and, subsequently, the health of children.

Aim: to assess and compare knowledge of healthy nutrition with the implementation of healthy nutrition principles in the family by mothers of children of older preschool and school ages.

Materials and methods. A face-to-face survey of 319 mothers of children aged 6 to 17 was conducted in a comprehensive school and kindergarten in Moscow. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, to assess knowledge of healthy nutrition and adherence to healthy eating habits. For the analysis, proportions and mean values were calculated and compared, and correlation coefficients were determined in SPSS.

Results. 230 (72.1%) mothers know the principles of healthy nutrition, 145 (45.5%) implement healthy eating behavior. The higher the level of maternal nutrition literacy, the more healthy eating habits she has (r=0.186; p <0.001). Mothers who reported higher family income have better nutrition literacy, demonstrate lower alcohol consumption, higher consumption of vegetables and protein, regular breakfast consumption, but higher consumption of fast carbohydrates (p <0.001).

Conclusion. It is relevant for medical workers of children’s educational institutions to initiate the assessment of mothers’ nutrition literacy and their adherence to the principles of healthy nutrition in the family.

About the Authors

K. Yu. Miropolskaya
Academy of Postgraduate Education Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia
Russian Federation

Khristina Yu. Miropolskaya, postgraduate student

125371, Moscow 



M. G. Vershinina
Central State Medical Academy of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation ; National Medical Research Center for Children's Health
Russian Federation

Marina G. Vershinina, MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Associate Professor, Head of the Department organizations of healthcare and public health, medical insurance and state control in the field of healthcare; Chief Scientific Officer

Moscow 



A. V. Kochubey
Academy of Postgraduate Education Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia ; Central State Medical Academy of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Adelina V. Kochubey, MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor, Head of the Department of Economics and Marketing in Healthcare, Academy of postgraduate education under; Professor of the department organizations of healthcare and public health, medical insurance and state control in the field of healthcare

Moscow 



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For citations:


Miropolskaya K.Yu., Vershinina M.G., Kochubey A.V. Analysis of Parental Literacy in Healthy Nutrition. M.Ya. Studenikin Russian Pediatric Journal. 2026;1(2):97-103. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.46563/2026-1-2-2042

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