Rôle de la mère dans la promotion d'une alimentation saine et équilibrée au sein de la famille

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of mothers in promoting healthy and balanced nutrition within the family, as they are considered the key element in establishing healthy eating habits, due to their direct influence on the dietary behavior of family members, especially children. The study also aims to assess the level of nutritional awareness and food literacy among mothers, as well as to analyze various food-related practices and behaviors, ranging from the selection and purchasing of food products, storage methods, hygiene, preparation, cooking, to meal presentation, and guiding children toward accepting healthy foods. This study was conducted in a specialized mother-and-child hospital during the period from February 22 to March 22, and included 135 mothers. Data were collected using a questionnaire covering socio-economic characteristics, health status, dietary habits, as well as cooking practices and food-related behaviors. The results showed that mothers play a central role in organizing the household diet, as most of them are responsible for selecting and preparing daily meals. The findings also indicated that the majority of mothers show interest in healthy nutrition; however, their level of nutritional awareness and scientific knowledge remains, in many cases, limited or incomplete. Healthy nutrition was often perceived as simply consuming natural or beneficial foods, without a comprehensive understanding of the full dimensions of a balanced diet. The results further revealed a notable interest in household hygiene, food preservation, and the quality of food products, particularly fruits and vegetables. However, the study also highlighted some behaviors and practices that may hinder the achievement of a healthy and balanced diet, such as limited awareness of reading food labels, heavy reliance on frying as the main cooking method, and the absence of clear educational and nutritional practices among some mothers to guide children toward healthy eating habits. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that achieving healthy and balanced nutrition within the family is not only dependent on food availability, but primarily on the mother’s level of awareness and nutritional culture, as well as the correct application of healthy practices at all stages of food handling. Any deficiency in these stages may negatively affect the quality of the dietary system and limit the achievement of balanced nutrition within the family.