Factors associated with the level of food literacy in children aged 8 to 11: a study in 31 schools in France

Abstract

Context:

Food literacy encompasses the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to choose, prepare and enjoy a healthy diet. Understanding the factors influencing children’s food literacy is essential for guiding efforts to prevent overweight and obesity, as well as other food-related health outcomes.

Objective:

In this context, this study aimed to describe the level of food literacy and its associated factors in a sample of 1187 children aged 8 to 11 years in France.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study in CM1–CM2 classes (equivalent to 4th and 5th grades) across 31 schools in the Essonne department of France during the 2022–2023 school year. Data on food literacy, age, gender, family composition and lifestyle factors were collected through questionnaires completed by each child during class. Schools were characterized by their average social position index, which is derived from parents’ professional categories and includes information on education, housing and culture. Factors associated with the food literacy score (ranging from 0 to 25, with higher scores indicating better food literacy) were identified in multivariate linear regression models that accounted for both individual and class levels.

Results:

Among the 1187 children included in the study, the mean food literacy score was 17.0 ± 3.4. After adjustment, food literacy levels were significantly higher among girls, 5th graders, children engaged in regular physical activity and those with lower screen time. Conversely, food literacy levels were lower in larger families and in schools situated in priority education areas. A gradient in food literacy was observed according to the quintile of the school’s social position index, with a difference of 2.17 points between the lowest and highest quintiles.

Conclusion:

This study provides insights into the attributes of food literacy among a large sample of children and highlights the roles of social, family and individual factors in shaping food literacy.