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Associations of Family Meals with Adolescent Perception of Family Relationship and Compliance with Parental Guidance in Hong Kong: Results of a Representative Cross-Sectional Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Rosa S. Wong

    (Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China)

  • Keith T. S. Tung

    (Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China)

  • Wilfred H. S. Wong

    (Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China)

  • Frederick K. W. Ho

    (Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK)

  • Winnie W. Y. Tso

    (Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China)

  • Paul S. F. Yip

    (Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China)

  • Carlos K. H. Wong

    (Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
    Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China)

  • Susan Y. S. Fan

    (The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China)

  • Patrick Ip

    (Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

Family meals are beneficial for adolescent development, but evidence from Chinese populations has been limited. This study aimed to examine the associations between family meal frequency and adolescent perception of family relationship and compliance with parental guidance in Hong Kong. During the period from October to December 2016, a stratified random sample of 3359 students were recruited from 25 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Students completed questionnaires about family characteristics, relationship quality, and meal frequency by paper-and-pencil in class. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between family meal frequency and perceived family relationship and compliance with parental guidance overall and by subgroups. After adjusting for sociodemographic and school confounders, family breakfast and dinner frequency were significantly associated with adolescent compliance (breakfast: B = 0.07, p < 0.001; dinner: B 0.07, p < 0.001) and perception of family relationship (breakfast: B = 0.10, p < 0.001; dinner: B = 0.25, p < 0.001). Risk factors for infrequent family meals included older age, not born in Hong Kong, less educated fathers, and unmarried parents. Our findings support the associations of regular family meals with adolescent perception of high family bond and compliance with parental guidance. Interventions are needed to enhance quality family meal interactions in disadvantaged families.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosa S. Wong & Keith T. S. Tung & Wilfred H. S. Wong & Frederick K. W. Ho & Winnie W. Y. Tso & Paul S. F. Yip & Carlos K. H. Wong & Susan Y. S. Fan & Patrick Ip, 2021. "Associations of Family Meals with Adolescent Perception of Family Relationship and Compliance with Parental Guidance in Hong Kong: Results of a Representative Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:10:p:5402-:d:557443
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. José Enrique Moral-García & José David Urchaga-Litago & Antonio Jesús Ramos-Morcillo & Rubén Maneiro, 2020. "Relationship of Parental Support on Healthy Habits, School Motivations and Academic Performance in Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-15, January.
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