Parents’ and Guardians’ Knowledge of Health Implications of Processed Meat and Associations with Feeding Practices of School-Aged Children

Abstract

Introduction: Processed meat is labeled as a Group1A carcinogen according to the World Health Organization due to the certainty that processed meat causes colorectal cancer. In addition to colorectal cancer, processed meat has also been linked to heart disease and diabetes. There is evidence that one’s diet and processed meat consumption in childhood effects their risk of disease into adulthood. Objectives: The goal of this study is to assess whether a relationship exists between parent/guardian processed meat nutrition knowledge and feeding frequency of processed meat to school-aged children. Methods: This study used convenience sampling to survey parents/guardians of school-aged children. The study created and utilized a processed meat nutrition knowledge questionnaire and a feeding frequency questionnaire regarding processed meat. Results: The results indicated no significant relationships between processed meat nutrition knowledge and feeding frequency of processed meat. No significant relationships existed between feeding frequency and gender or education. A significant relationship was found regarding feeding frequency and income, with the finding showing those with a total combined family income at or above $50,000 a year more likely to serve seven or more servings of processed meat per week. Conclusion: Results found that parents'/guardians' knowledge about the health implications of processed meat does not have a significant association with feeding practices of processed meat to school-aged children.