Abstract
ObjectiveTo analyze the associations between socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and physical activity and overweight/obesity in children. Methods485 children wore accelerometers for 7 days. Variables included time in sedentary behavior and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and steps/day. Children were further categorized as meeting or not meeting guidelines of ≥60min/day MVPA and ≥12,000 steps/day. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) were measured using bioelectrical impedance. Overweight/obesity was defined as BMI >+1 SD and BF% ≥85th percentile. Parents answered questionnaires that questioned total annual household income, parental education level, parental employment status and automobile ownership. ResultsChildren averaged 59.5min/day in MVPA (44.1% met MVPA guidelines), and 9639 steps/day (18.4% met steps/day guidelines). 45.4% and 33% were overweight/obese classified by BMI and BF% respectively. Higher relative total annual household income level (Odds Ratio 0.31; 95% confidence interval=0.15–0.65), and relatively higher maternal (OR=0.38; 95%CI=0.20–0.72) and paternal (OR=0.36; 95%CI=0.17–0.75) education levels were associated with lower odds of children meeting MVPA guidelines. Household automobile ownership was associated with lower odds of children meeting MVPA (OR=0.48; 95%CI=0.31–0.75) and steps/day guidelines (OR=0.44; 95%CI=0.26–0.74). ConclusionsSES indicators were not associated with overweight/obesity, but higher SES was associated with lower odds of children meeting MVPA guidelines.
Highlights
Regular physical activity is associated with an array of health benefits for children.[1]
The aim of this study was to examine the association between indicators of Socioeconomic status (SES), physical activity and overweight/obesity in a sample of Brazilian children
Parental education level, and household automobile ownership were all negatively associated with children meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines when adjusted for school and sex
Summary
Regular physical activity is associated with an array of health benefits for children.[1]. Physical activity and overweight/obesity are influenced by complex factors that vary widely between countries.[4,5] Socioeconomic status (SES) is one of these factors because it influences people’s attitudes, experiences, and exposure to several health risk factors.[2,6] SES indicators (e.g., annual household income, parental education level and parental employment status) are related to a variety of chronic diseases in children.[7,8] it has been differentially defined and measured, SES generally displays an inverse relationship with childhood overweight/obesity in developed countries.[5,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
