An exploratory study of the relationship between family employment patterns and the food and activity habits of families with children ages 4–10 years

Abstract

Learning outcomeDescribe the effect of maternal employment and family income on food and activity patterns of children.TextThis study examined the food and activity patterns of families with young children residing in an upper middle class city in North Texas. One hundred ninety eight children and their families were surveyed and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from the children’s height and weight measurements. Descriptive statistics and linear regression was used to examine the differences between families where the mother was employed outside the home and stay-at-home mothers. The study found significant differences in food and activity patterns related to family income levels but not directly tied to maternal employment. Higher income families in this study displayed a child obesity rate greater than the national average. Higher out-of-home food expenditures and more frequent sedentary behaviors were found to correlate with higher family income levels. The results indicate that high-income households practice food and activity behaviors contributing to child obesity and would benefit from customized behavior interventions.FUNDING DISCLOSURE: None Learning outcomeDescribe the effect of maternal employment and family income on food and activity patterns of children. Describe the effect of maternal employment and family income on food and activity patterns of children. TextThis study examined the food and activity patterns of families with young children residing in an upper middle class city in North Texas. One hundred ninety eight children and their families were surveyed and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from the children’s height and weight measurements. Descriptive statistics and linear regression was used to examine the differences between families where the mother was employed outside the home and stay-at-home mothers. The study found significant differences in food and activity patterns related to family income levels but not directly tied to maternal employment. Higher income families in this study displayed a child obesity rate greater than the national average. Higher out-of-home food expenditures and more frequent sedentary behaviors were found to correlate with higher family income levels. The results indicate that high-income households practice food and activity behaviors contributing to child obesity and would benefit from customized behavior interventions.FUNDING DISCLOSURE: None This study examined the food and activity patterns of families with young children residing in an upper middle class city in North Texas. One hundred ninety eight children and their families were surveyed and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from the children’s height and weight measurements. Descriptive statistics and linear regression was used to examine the differences between families where the mother was employed outside the home and stay-at-home mothers. The study found significant differences in food and activity patterns related to family income levels but not directly tied to maternal employment. Higher income families in this study displayed a child obesity rate greater than the national average. Higher out-of-home food expenditures and more frequent sedentary behaviors were found to correlate with higher family income levels. The results indicate that high-income households practice food and activity behaviors contributing to child obesity and would benefit from customized behavior interventions. FUNDING DISCLOSURE: None