Cultural capital associated with children’s food consumption and physical activity among parents of first and second grade children in urban, suburban, and rural Japan (1014.1)

This study examined children’s food consumption and physical activity and their parents’ cultural capital levels in three Japanese communities. A total of 729 parents of first and second grade children enrolled in nine elementary schools in Chiba (urban), Niigata (suburban), and Miyazaki (rural) participated in a survey. Factor analysis resulted in three cultural capital variables: preservation of traditional Japanese food culture, parents’ aversion to Western foods, and parents’ openness to foods from other cultural groups. Correlations and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Children in Chiba consumed significantly higher amounts of store bought vegetables, fruits, and Western franchise fast foods compared to children in Miyazaki. Consumption of local vegetables was the highest in Miyazaki. Preservation of traditional Japanese food culture was associated with a higher level of physical activity among children. Western food aversion was associated with consumption of fresh vegetables and local/seasonal foods. Openness to trying foods from other cultures was associated with consumption of sweetened beverages. Our findings underline the significance of identifying cultural capitals for child health. These may ultimately contribute to developing policies and programs for healthier feeding practices in countries that are undergoing nutrition transition. Grant Funding Source : CSU Research grant