Commensality and eating patterns in adolescents: An analysis from structural equation modeling

Through structural equation modeling (SEM), this study aimed to evaluate the influence of commensality under the dietary pattern of Brazilian adolescents based on data from the third edition of the National Survey of School Health (PeNSE), conducted in 2015. PeNSE is a cross-sectional survey with a complex probabilistic sampling plan and with representativeness for adolescents in public and private schools in Brazil. Based on recommendations from the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population (Guia Alimentar Para a População Brasileira), we developed a theoretical model, using the SEM model, (stratified by sex) to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, handwashing, body satisfaction, and commensality, and their influence on the eating pattern of adolescents. For males, age significantly and inversely proportionally associated with commensal practice (SDE: -0.28, p<0.01). Regarding female subjects, body dissatisfaction was shown to be negatively associated with commensality to a more significant effect when compared to males (SDE: -0.30, p<0.01). On the other hand, commensality positively associated with healthy eating patterns for males (SDE: 0.42, p<0.01) and females (SDE: 0.62, p<0.01). Through the analyses conducted in this study, a positive relationship between commensality and the Healthy Eating Pattern of Brazilian adolescents was observed. There were also different influences for each sex.