Factors associated with ultra processed food intake in children : a systematic review of observational studies : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
Loading...
Date
2025
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The author
Abstract
Background Ultra processed food (UPF) makes a substantial and growing contribution to diets globally. UPF intake is associated with adverse health outcomes. Childhood represents an ideal time for interventions to reduce UPF intake as it is when dietary behaviours are established. Understanding factors associated with UPF intake in children will help inform the design of future interventions. The socioecological model provides a framework in which to conceptualise factors contributing to dietary behaviours, such as UPF intake. Aim To synthesise the current body of knowledge on the factors associated with UPF intake in children. Methods A comprehensive literature search of three databases was conducted to identify quantitative evidence of factors associated with UPF intake in children. A total of 3,271 articles were identified. After screening, 32 reports from 20 original studies (18 cross-sectional and two prospective cohort) were included. A narrative synthesis of factors across levels of the socioecological model was performed. Results The majority of studied factors were at the interpersonal and individual levels of the socioecological model. Few factors had been studied at the community level and none at the policy level. Studies have identified positive associations between screen time, screen use during meals and having a parent who smokes and children’s UPF intake, and generally negative associations between breastfeeding duration and UPF intake. Sex, ethnicity, gestational age, birthweight and parents BMI did not tend to be associated with children’s UPF intake. There were inconsistent associations for age, physical activity, socioeconomic status, parents age and family size and children’s UPF intake. A wide range of other factors had been examined in one or two studies. Conclusions Screen use, parental smoking and breastfeeding appear to be related to UPF intake in children, but how these factors influence UPF intake requires further study. There is a paucity of knowledge on how factors at the community and policy levels of the socioecological model influence UPF intake in children. Further research is needed to understand factors associated with UPF intake in children and which interventions are successful, the findings of this review may be used to inform the design of such studies.