Association between parenting styles, parenting style disparities and nutrition literacy levels among college students: a cross-sectional study

College students are prone to unhealthy eating habits. Parenting styles have been associated with eating habits. High nutrition literacy (NL) can motivate individuals to make healthier dietary choices. This study analyzed the association between parenting styles, parenting style disparities and NL among college students, with a particular focus on differences in sex and family economic status. The Nutritional Literacy and College Students’ Health Survey was a cross-sectional study conducted from April to June 2021 in Bengbu, China. A total of 1908 college students were included in the study. Data on demographics, socioeconomic status, health status, parenting styles and nutrition literacy were collected using a self-reported structured questionnaire that was completed independently by participants in a designated classroom under standardized guidance and supervision by researchers. Linear regression models were applied to estimate the relationship between parenting styles, parenting style disparities and NL. Parenting styles involving greater father’s and mother’s emotional warmth were associated with a higher total NL (β = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66 to 1.07, p < 0.001; β = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.99, p < 0.001; respectively) and its six dimensions, regardless of sex. However, a more negative parenting styles (characterized by rejection and overprotection) and parenting style disparities were associated with a lower NL, and these associations differed by sex among college students. Moreover, the association of higher parenting style disparities with lower NL was only significant in lower-income households. Parenting with greater emotional warmth and lower overprotection, rejection, and disparities was associated with higher NL among college students, and varied by sex and family economic status. These findings stress that parents can foster NL among college students by embracing parenting styles that are emotionally warm and consistent parenting styles and considering gender and economic statuses simultaneously.