Changes in food habits and food-related satisfaction before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in dual-earner families with adolescents

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Food habits have been associated with positive outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family members may share protective factors, but each member may also respond differently to the pandemic. Aim: To examine food habits in different-sex dual-earner parents with adolescents, comparing reports from late 2019 before the pandemic (T1) and mid- 2020 during the pandemic (T2) in Temuco, Chile. Method: A sample of 193 families composed of mother, father, and one adolescent aged 10 to 15 responded to a questionnaire at T1 and T2. Non-parametric tests were used to compare family food-related habits and the satisfaction with food-related life of each family member at T1 and T2. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was conducted to explore relations between T1 and T2 variables and between family members. Results: Frequency of family meals increased during the pandemic, and mothers increased their cooking hours. All family members improved their diet quality during the pandemic. Perceived family meal atmosphere and satisfaction with food-related life did not change. T1 food habits were not associated with T2 satisfaction with food-related life. Conclusion: These families changed their food-related habits during the pandemic, but their food-related life assessment was similar before and during the pandemic.

RESUMEN

Introducción: Las prácticas alimentarias se han asociado con mayor bienestar durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Aunque en una familia se comparten condiciones de vida, cada miembro puede responder de modo diferente a la pandemia. Objetivo: Examinar las prácticas alimentarias en parejas con doble ingreso e hijos adolescentes, comparando reportes antes de la pandemia (finales de 2019, T1) y durante la pandemia (mediados de 2020, T2) en Temuco, Chile. Método: 193 familias compuestas por madre, padre y un hijo adolescente de 10 a 15 años respondieron un cuestionario en T1 y T2. Se utilizaron pruebas no-paramétricas para comparar hábitos alimentarios y satisfacción con la alimentación para cada miembro de la familia en T1 y T2. Se exploraron las relaciones entre variables en T1 y T2, y entre miembros de la familia usando el modelo de interdependencia de actor-compañero. Resultados: La frecuencia de las comidas familiares y las horas que la madre dedicó diariamente a cocinar aumentaron durante la pandemia. Los tres miembros de la familia mejoraron la calidad de su dieta durante la pandemia. La atmósfera percibida de comidas familiares y la satisfacción con la alimentación no cambiaron. Los hábitos alimentarios del T1 no incidieron en la satisfacción con la alimentación en T2. Conclusión: Los hábitos alimenticios de estas familias cambiaron durante la pandemia, pero la evaluación de su vida alimentaria fue similar antes y durante la pandemia.