Relationships between the home environment and physical activity and dietary patterns of preschool children: a cross-sectional study
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Date
2008-05-30
Authors
Spurrier, Nicola Jane
Magarey, Anthea Margaret
Golley, Rebecca Kirsty
Curnow, Fiona
Sawyer, Michael G
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central - http://www.biomedcentral.com
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Abstract
Objective
To assess relationships between characteristics of the home environment and preschool children's physical activity and dietary patterns.
Methods
Homes of 280 preschool children were visited and information obtained by direct observation and parent interview regarding physical and nutritional characteristics of the home environment. Children's physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary patterns were measured using standardised parent-report questionnaires. Associations were analysed using analysis of variance and correlation.
Results
Parental physical activity (p = 0.03–0.008), size of backyard (p = 0.001) and amount of outdoor play equipment (p = 0.003) were associated with more outdoor play. Fewer rules about television viewing (p < 0.001) and presence of playstation (p = 0.02) were associated with more indoor sedentary time. Higher fruit and vegetable intake was associated with restricting children's access to fruit juice (p = 0.02) and restricting high fat/sugar snacks (p = 0.009). Lower intake of non-core foods was associated with restricting children's access to fruit juice (p = 0.007), cordial/carbonated drinks (p < 0.001) and high fat/sugar snacks (p = 0.003). Lower fruit and vegetable intake was associated with reminding child to 'eat up' (p = 0.007) and offering food rewards to eat main meal (p = 0.04). Higher intake of non-core foods was associated with giving food 'treats' (p = 0.03) and offering food rewards to eat main meal (p = 0.04). The availability of food groups in the home was associated with children's intake of these foods (fruit and vegetables, p < 0.001; fat in dairy, p = <0.001; sweetened beverages, p = 0.004–<0.001; non-core foods, p = 0.01–<0.001).
Conclusion
Physical attributes of the home environment and parental behaviours are associated with preschool children's physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary patterns. Many of these variables are modifiable and could be targeted in childhood obesity prevention and management.
Description
Keywords
Child, Preschool, Exercise, Food habits, Family
Citation
Spurrier, N. Magarey, A. Golley, R. Curnow, F. Sawyer, M. 2008 Relationships between the home environment and physical activity and dietary patterns of preschool children: a cross-sectional study 'International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity' 5:31