The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge and Physical Activity Levels in Mother-Daughter Dyads
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate nutrition knowledge, food preferences knowledge, and physical activity levels between mother-daughter dyads. It also aimed to examine the associations between maternal characteristics and adult daughters’ outcomes.
Methods: A total of 200 participants (100 mothers and 100 adult daughters) were included. Nutrition knowledge and food preferences were assessed using the Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale For Adults, and physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Comparisons were made between mothers’ and daughters’ outcomes, with associations examined using regression analyses.
Results: Adult daughters scored significantly higher than their mothers in nutrition knowledge and food preferences, but the groups did not differ in physical activity levels (MET-min/week). Regression analyses showed that maternal nutrition knowledge significantly predicted daughters’ nutrition knowledge (ΔR² = 0.203, β = 0.415, p < 0.001); daughters’ food preferences were positively linked to both maternal nutrition knowledge and food preference (ΔR² = 0.317, p < 0.001). Maternal physical activity did not significantly predict daughters’ physical activity (ΔR² = 0.040, p = 0.242).
Conclusion: Significant associations were found between maternal and adult daughters’ nutrition knowledge and food preferences; physical activity similarities were less pronounced. This suggests continuity in nutrition-related traits within mother–daughter dyads into adulthood.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Public Health Nutrition, Eating Behaviours, Environmental Health, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Gürkan Demirtaş
*
0000-0002-0741-4519
Türkiye
Bahar Kaya
0009-0003-9041-0037
Türkiye
Ali Sayılır
0000-0003-4462-1725
Türkiye
Publication Date
May 5, 2026
Submission Date
February 23, 2026
Acceptance Date
March 25, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: April, May, June 2026