Background

Knowledge of dietary patterns is crucial for dietary behaviours interventions.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe the dietary patterns of children between the ages of 6–10 years from primary schools in Lesser Poland.

Material and methods

The study was carried out between 2008–2012 and included 1,140 children and their par-ents. The questionnaire for parents included socio-economic questions about the family, parents’ education and frequency of consuming selected food products by children. The Food Frequency Questionnaire covered 21 selected food groups, and fast food and snacking were also asked about. Based on anthropometric measurements, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each child. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to identify individual dietary patterns of children.

Results

Three cluster groups were distinguished showing the eating patterns of the children. Children from cluster 1 (healthy) showed the most health-promoting model of nutrition. They often consumed butter, vegetable oils, groats, pasta and rice, wholemeal bread, fish and fish products, red meat, eggs, raw vegetables, cooked vegetables, pulses, unsalted nuts and yellow cheese. The cluster representing the mixed feeding model (2) least frequently consumed salty snacks. Children from cluster 3 (unhealthy) more often consumed chips, crisps and salty sticks than cluster 2 and were more often overweight and obese than children from cluster 1. The education level and average monthly income were significantly higher in the families of children from the healthy cluster compared with those from the unhealthy cluster.

Conclusions

Dietary patterns in children are influenced by socio-economic and parental education factors. Overweight and obese children presented unhealthy nutrition behaviours.