Objectives: To investigate associations between dietary habits and socio-economic status in adolescents (Ghent, Belgium).
Methods: A random sample of 341 adolescents (13-18 years) participated in a dietary survey using a 7-day dietary record. Respondents' educational training (general/vocational) and parental education were used as indicators of socio-economic status.
Results: In girls, the prevalence of overweight is higher when following vocational training or having a low parental education; the energy and micronutrient intake was higher in respondents with a general training and in those with a high parental education. Girls following a general training have significantly higher intake of fruit, vegetables, breakfast cereals, cheese and milk & milk products, while their intake was significantly lower for soft drinks. Girls with a high parental education have a higher intake of cake, biscuits, milk & milk products. In boys, small differences in micronutrient and food intake were found between different educational levels. In both sexes, the diet of general trained adolescents was more diversified.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate trends which highlight the need for continued efforts to improve the adolescents' diet, particularly in lower social groups.