Eureka! Institutional Repository

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the interaction between mothers’ and preschool children’s’ nutrition, among inhabitants of Kalamata, Messinia. Subjects/Methods: The sample was selected by the method of randomization and included 146 preschool children aged two to six years old and 139 mothers of the children. A specially designed questionnaire for children and mothers was used, including a 24-hour dietary recall, the KIDMED, HFIAS and MedDiet questionnaires. The survey was completed over a period of two months. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS. Results: On average, preschool children demonstared a healthy status and waist. KIDMED score showed a moderate rating (≈7) concerning the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. There were high levels of energy and protein intake and increased fat intake. The consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish were less than desired while the meat and milk intake was increased. Children whose mothers had minimum adherence to Mediterranean diet, had statistically increased fiber intake (p <0.05). Conclusions: Mothers can affect to some extent the formation of eating behavior of their preschool children. However, mothers did not seem to have great adherence to Mediterranean diet and they did not broadcast this habit in children, widely. Further research is recommended.