Household factors, family behavior patterns, and adherence to dietary and physical activity guidelines among children at risk for obesity.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the proportion of children adhering to recommended physical activity and dietary guidelines, and examine demographic and household correlates of guideline adherence.


METHODS
Cross-sectional (pre-randomization) data from a behavioral intervention trial designed to prevent unhealthy weight gain in children.


METHODS
A total of 421 children (aged 5-10 years) at risk for obesity (body mass index percentile, 70-95).


METHODS
Physical activity (accelerometry), screen time (parent survey), and fruit and vegetable and sugar-sweetened beverage intake (24-hour dietary recall).


METHODS
Proportions meeting guidelines were calculated. Logistic regression examined associations between demographic and household factors and whether children met recommended guidelines for (1) physical activity (≥ 60 min/d), (2) screen time (≤ 2 h/d), (3) fruit and vegetable intake (≥ 5 servings/d), and (4) sugar-sweetened beverage avoidance.


RESULTS
Few children met more than 1 guideline. Only 2% met all 4 recommended guidelines and 19% met none. Each guideline had unique sociodemographic and domain-specific household predictors (ie, availability of certain foods and beverages, media, and active play and exercise equipment).


CONCLUSIONS
Families equipped to promote healthy child behavior patterns in 1 activity or dietary domain may not be in others. Results have implications for the development of interventions to affect children's weight-related behaviors and growth trajectories.
HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, Bloomington, MN. Electronic address: Alicia.S.KuninBatson@healthpartners.com.
Alicia S
AS
Kunin-Batson
HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, Bloomington, MN.
Elisabeth M
EM
Seburg
HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, Bloomington, MN.
A Lauren
AL
Crain
HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, Bloomington, MN.
Meghan M
MM
Jaka
School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Shelby L
SL
Langer
School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Rona L
RL
Levy
HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, Bloomington, MN.
Nancy E
NE
Sherwood
D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
child; diet; guidelines; home environment; physical activity