The relationship of family structure and interaction to nutrition.

The relationship of nutritional adequacy to family structure and interaction is reviewed in light of previous research. Family structure is described by demographic data and measures of organization and status discrepancy of family members. Measures of family interaction include parent-child interactions, shared activities, and child-rearing habits. Nutritional research and educational programs need to give more attention to family units rather than individual respondents or clients. The review presents research findings and raises questions in order to generate ideas for future research.