Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess relationships between characteristics of the home environment and preschool children's physical activity and dietary patterns.MethodsHomes 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.ResultsParental 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).ConclusionPhysical 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.
Highlights
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children have increased two and three-fold over the last decade in most developed countries [1,2,3]
Physical home environment characteristics and children's Outdoor Playtime and Small Screen Entertainment Checklist scores (Tables 1 and 2) Higher outdoor playtime scores were significantly associated with greater frequency of mothers' walking and mothers' involvement in organised sport
Food allowed to be eaten in front of TV Acceptance of wasted food Remind child to 'eat up' Offer food rewards/incentives to eat main meals Restrict fruit juice Restrict high fat/sugar snack foods Restrict second helpings Take-away food purchased
Summary
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children have increased two and three-fold over the last decade in most developed countries [1,2,3]. Population data from South Australia have shown that these rapid increases have occurred in children as young as four years [5]. There is growing evidence that many young children are consuming a diet inconsistent with recommendations and in addition, have inadequate levels of physical activity. Australian dietary guidelines for children and adolescents recommend increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables consumed, reducing non-core snack foods, reducing consumption of sweetened beverages and choosing fat-reduced dairy from the age of 2 years [8]. Data from the Australian Food and Nutrition Monitoring Unit showed that children's total energy intake in a 24 hour period increased by 13% between 1985 and 1995, an increase largely consisting of non-core snack foods and sweetened drinks [9]
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