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Rodrigues D, Machado-Rodrigues AM, Gama A, Silva MRG, Nogueira H, Padez C. Body size, form, composition, and a healthy lifestyle associates with health-related quality of life among Portuguese children. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23902. [PMID: 36989416 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the relationship between body size, form, and composition, and children's lifestyle on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 1333 children (9.05 ± 0.75 years; 683 females) living in mainland Portugal. Objective anthropometric measures were collected. Parents answered a standardized questionnaire related with children's lifestyle (e.g., sport participation, screen- and sleep-time) and family socioeconomic status (e.g., parental education). HRQoL was measured using the Portuguese version of the KIDSCREEN-27. Scores were categorized into low and high using a sex-specific normative cut-off from European children. A healthier score was created including positive scores for body weight, abdominal obesity, sport participation, sleep- and screen-time. RESULTS Body size, form and composition were correlated with children's physical wellbeing. However, sex differences were found in which parameters were associated with wellbeing. Among boys, the body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold were most correlated with wellbeing, while waist circumference and subscapular skinfold showed the strongest correlations for girls. Sleep duration and sport participation revealed a significant relationship with girls' HRQoL. A logistic regression analysis (adjusted for parental education) revealed that boys scoring 4 or 5 in the healthier index had an increased likelihood of high HRQoL level compared to those fulfilling none. CONCLUSIONS Future programs aimed at reducing obesity, particularly central obesity, and incorporating multiple health indicators and behaviors, such as sport participation and sleep duration may help improve children's health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rodrigues
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCTUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Aristides M Machado-Rodrigues
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- High School of Education, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3500-155, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Augusta Gama
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria-Raquel G Silva
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, 4200-150, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Nogueira
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Coimbra, 3000-370, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Padez
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCTUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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Rodrigues D, Machado-Rodrigues A, Gama A, Nogueira H, Silva MRG, Padez C. The Portuguese economic crisis is associated with socioeconomic and sex disparities on children's health-related behaviors and obesity: A cross-sectional study. Am J Hum Biol 2022; 34:e23796. [PMID: 36070351 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our objective was to examine the relationship between the 2008 and 2015 economic crisis and children's physical activity (PA) outcomes, eating behaviors and obesity prevalence, while considering sex inequalities and familial socioeconomic status. METHOD This is a cross-sectional study, including data collected in 2016/2017 among 5134 children aged 6-11 years (mean age: 8.11 ± 1.24; 50.0% boys). Children's height, weight, and waist circumference were objectively measured. Children's sleep- and screen-time, participation in organized sports, and specific dietary habits were reported parental-reported using a standardized questionnaire. An economic crisis impact score, with data from 10 indicators of economic needs in the family, was used to characterize the crisis' impact. RESULTS First, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in children whose families had a higher impact of the crisis. Second, children's intake of fruit and high-fat food, screen-time, sleep-time, and participation in organized sports differed according to the level of impact of the economic crisis. Third, the association between health-related behaviors and the impact of the economic crisis was stronger for girls compared to boys. CONCLUSION Our findings give us an indication of how economic crises may drive changes in health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rodrigues
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Aristides Machado-Rodrigues
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, High School of Education, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Augusta Gama
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Animal Biology, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Nogueira
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Geography and Tourism, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria-Raquel G Silva
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Padez
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Parental Perception of the Social and Physical Environment Contributes to Gender Inequalities in Children's Screen Time. J Phys Act Health 2022; 19:108-117. [PMID: 35045393 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2021-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This cross-sectional study aimed to explore how parental perceptions of the social and physical environment of the neighborhood was associated with 3- to 10-year-old children's use of traditional and modern screen devices. METHODS Participants were recruited under the scope of the project ObesInCrisis, conducted in 2016-2017 in the cities of Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon (Portugal). Data from 6347 children aged 3-10 years were analyzed (3169 boys [49.9%]). A parental questionnaire was used to collect data on children's screen time (dependent variable) and parents' perceived social and physical environment (from the Environmental Module of the International Physical Activity Prevalence Study questionnaire; independent variable), parental education, and urbanization (used as covariates). RESULTS Neighborhood features were more correlated with girls' screen time, than with boys', particularly among younger children. Also, more social than physical characteristics of the neighborhood were positively associated with children's use of television and mobile devices (ie, tablet and smartphone). CONCLUSIONS Community-based approaches should improve the social environment and implement supervised after-school programs to encourage and support children to be outdoors and spend less time in sedentary pursuits.
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Rodrigues D, Carmo A, Gama A, Machado-Rodrigues AM, Nogueira H, Rosado-Marques V, Silva MR, Padez C. The Great Recession weighted on Portuguese children: A structural equation modeling approach considering eating patterns. Am J Hum Biol 2021; 34:e23692. [PMID: 34669227 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Further evidence on how the Great Recession was associated with childhood obesity is needed, particularly when the world is facing a new and severe economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores: (1) the direct association of the 2008's economic crisis with eating patterns and body mass index (BMI), among children, independently of their socioeconomic status (SES), and (2) the indirect association between the crisis and children's BMI, by using eating patterns as mediators. METHODS A sample of children (n = 8472, mean age: 7.17 years old, 50.8% male) was recruited in schools from the cities of Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon, Portugal. Children's height and weight were objectively measured; BMI was calculated. Other data were collected by a parental questionnaire. A structural equation modeling studied the associations between the economic crisis impact, eating patterns, and BMI; model was adjusted for SES. RESULTS Children in families that reported a greater impact of the economic crisis showed higher consumption of unhealthy food items and lower consumption of healthy foods, regardless of SES. Indirectly, children whose parents scored higher in the economic crisis impact had higher BMI mediated by a higher consumption of cakes/chocolates and lower intake of vegetables/salads. CONCLUSIONS The economic crisis was associated with higher BMI and unhealthy eating patterns. Efforts to promote healthy diets and weight are needed at a population level rather than for specific social classes, particularly in the face of a new economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rodrigues
- CIAS-Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ariene Carmo
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Augusta Gama
- CIAS-Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Aristides M Machado-Rodrigues
- CIAS-Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,High School of Education, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Helena Nogueira
- CIAS-Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vítor Rosado-Marques
- CIAS-Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria-Raquel Silva
- CIAS-Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Padez
- CIAS-Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Machado-Rodrigues AM, Rodrigues D, Gama A, Nogueira H, Mascarenhas LP, Padez C. Sleep duration, risk of obesity, and parental perceptions of residential neighborhood environments in 6-9 years-old children. Am J Hum Biol 2021; 34:e23668. [PMID: 34410021 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to analyze the association between healthy sleep duration of children and the parental perception of the social/built environment. METHODS A cross-sectional study was done and a sample of 8273 children (4183 females) aged 6-9 years was observed. Height (cm) and weight (Kg) were measured, and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Participants were classified as normal weight or overweight/obese. Sleep habits, sedentary behaviors (i.e., TV viewing) and environmental variables were assessed by questionnaire. Logistic regressions were used, with adjustments for age, sex, BMI, and sedentary time. RESULTS Children whose parents reported a positive perception of the built environment in the residential area were 1.21 times more likely to have regular sleep habits during weekdays. Furthermore, children whose parents reported a negative perception of the social environment and safety were 81% more likely to have irregular sleep habits during the weekdays. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed a positive association between regular sleep during the weekdays and the parental perception of the social/built environment (land use and urban design).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristides M Machado-Rodrigues
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,High School of Education, Ci&DEI, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Daniela Rodrigues
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Augusta Gama
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Helena Nogueira
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís P Mascarenhas
- UniCentro, Department of Physical Education, Midwestern Paraná State University, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Cristina Padez
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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6
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Zorrilla-Revilla G, Rodrigues D, Machado-Rodrigues AM, Mateos A, Rodríguez J, Padez C. Sex-specific differences in somatic investment and strategies of physical activity among Portuguese schoolchildren. Am J Hum Biol 2021; 34:e23626. [PMID: 34076323 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Physical activity (PA) is required for healthy growth, development, and maturation and plays an important role in the prevention of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. Sex-differences in PA levels are well documented, with boys spending more time in PA, especially in moderate-to-vigorous activities. Following the Life History Theory, our aim is to study if PA affects the fat tissues increases during childhood and juvenile phases in both sexes. METHODS Time spent in sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous PA levels were measured in a sample of 415 Portuguese children and juveniles (207 females/208 males; aged 6-11 years), using an accelerometer for 7 days. Skinfolds related with body fat were objectively collected and socioeconomic status factors were reported using a parental questionnaire. RESULTS The outcomes show that girls' and boys' fat variables increased during the end of the childhood and the juvenile phase. However, these variables were differently affected by PA. Girls increased fat variables with the sedentary activity while boys decreased fat variables with moderate-to-vigorous PA. Alike, active boys but not girls reduced the fat increase tendency with age. CONCLUSIONS Although both sexes displayed a general fat increment with age, moderate-to-vigorous PA dampens the increase only in boys. In fact, active girls increased body fat in the same manner as non-active girls. From an evolutionary perspective, it could explain sex-specific somatic strategies related to future reproduction or, with future mating and intrasexual competition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Rodrigues
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Aristides M Machado-Rodrigues
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,High School of Education, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Ana Mateos
- National Research Center on Human Evolution, CENIEH, Burgos, Spain
| | - Jesús Rodríguez
- National Research Center on Human Evolution, CENIEH, Burgos, Spain
| | - Cristina Padez
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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7
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Rodrigues D, Costa D, Gama A, Machado-Rodrigues AM, Nogueira H, Silva MRG, Rosado-Marques V, Padez C. Socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Portuguese preschool-aged children: Changes from 2009 to 2016. Am J Hum Biol 2021; 34:e23582. [PMID: 33634924 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated, for the first time in Portugal, the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to parental education in a population of preschool-aged Portuguese children in 2009/2010 and 2016/2017. METHODS Anthropometric data were collected in public and private preschools (n = 1996 in 2009/2010; n = 2077 in 2016/2017). Body mass index was calculated and weight status categories were based on the International Obesity Task Force cutoff points. Parental education level was self-reported. RESULTS Prevalence of overweight (17.1%-14.1%; p < 0.001) and obesity (6.6%-3.9%, p < 0.001) was lower in 2016/2017 than in 2009/2010, with higher rates being found in the north of the country. Parental education was significantly associated with childhood overweight and obesity and inequalities between low- and high-education increased between the two periods. CONCLUSIONS While a decrease in childhood overweight and obesity were positive findings, the prevalence is still high and shows pronounced socioeconomic differences. Policies for obesity prevention need to be inclusive and tackle inequalities, with interventions tailored to suit local contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rodrigues
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Portugal, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo Costa
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Augusta Gama
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Aristides M Machado-Rodrigues
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,High School of Education, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Helena Nogueira
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria-Raquel G Silva
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vítor Rosado-Marques
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Padez
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Portugal, Coimbra, Portugal
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Overweight and Obesity in Children of Immigrant Versus Native Parents: Exploring a Local Setting in Portugal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17217897. [PMID: 33126527 PMCID: PMC7663684 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In Portugal, the majority of immigrants come from Portuguese-speaking countries. Among children, overweight and obesity are serious public health concerns, but a few studies include children with immigrant background. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and risk of abdominal obesity in school-age children and to explore potential determinants, considering the origin of the children’s parents (both mother and father are non-Portuguese, only one Portuguese, and both are Portuguese). A cross-sectional study included a random sample of 789 children (5–11 years old, 49.2% of males and 50.8% female) attending public primary schools in Barreiro, district of Setubal, Portugal. Fieldwork occurred from 20th April to 3rd July 2009. Data concerning socioeconomic, eating habits, and sports outside school were obtained through a questionnaire applied to the children’s person in charge. Anthropometric measures were collected by certified technicians. One-third of the children presented overweight and obesity (33.7%, 95% CI [30.0; 37.7]) and risk of abdominal obesity (16.4%, 95% CI [13.6; 19.7]) without differences according to parents’ origin. Children with immigrant background presented higher consumption of low-priced, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, with a worse situation for girls. Females from both non-Portuguese parents also practiced less sports outside school than those where one or two parents are Portuguese. Thus, promoting and monitoring a healthy diet and physical activity in this group should be prioritized in this local setting.
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Costa D, Cunha M, Ferreira C, Gama A, Machado-Rodrigues AM, Rosado-Marques V, Mendes LL, Nogueira H, Pessoa M, Silva MRG, Velasquez-Melendez G, Padez C. Socioeconomic inequalities in children's health-related quality of life according to weight status. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 33:e23453. [PMID: 32578372 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explores the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Portuguese children according to their weight status. METHODS A total of 1215 primary school-aged children (mean age 8.78 years) from three Portuguese districts (Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra) were assessed during 2016/2017. Father and mother's education (low, medium, high) and work status (employed, unemployed/retired) were used as SEP indicators. Self-reported HRQoL was assessed with the KIDSCREEN-27. Height and weight were objectively measured and body mass index categorized in normal, overweight or obese. Age, sex, and district-adjusted linear regression models were fitted to estimate associations between SEP indicators and HRQoL dimensions, according to weight status. RESULTS We found that 24.9% of children were categorized as having overweight/obesity. The mean scores of the Physical Well-Being, and School Environment dimensions of HRQoL were lower among children classified with overweight/obesity compared to children with normal weight (57.21 vs 54.11, P < .001 and 57.85 vs 56.04, P = .010, respectively). Father's education was significantly associated with all HRQoL dimensions in children with a normal weight, but the same was not observed among children presenting overweight/obesity. An increase in the level of maternal education was also significantly associated with all HRQoL dimensions among children classified with a normal weight, and only for the School Environment dimension among children classified with overweight/obesity. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the presence of socioeconomic inequalities in self-reported HRQoL from early age, particularly among children with normal weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Costa
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marina Cunha
- CINEICC - Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ferreira
- CINEICC - Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Augusta Gama
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Aristides M Machado-Rodrigues
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,High School of Education, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Vítor Rosado-Marques
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Larissa L Mendes
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Helena Nogueira
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Geography and Tourism, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Milene Pessoa
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria-Raquel G Silva
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gustavo Velasquez-Melendez
- Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cristina Padez
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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10
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Costa D, Cunha M, Ferreira C, Gama A, Machado-Rodrigues AM, Rosado-Marques V, Nogueira H, Silva MRG, Padez C. Self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in Portuguese primary school-aged children. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:87. [PMID: 32106844 PMCID: PMC7047394 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02498-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress experienced during childhood might have a negative impact on development. This study explores factors associated with such symptoms among Portuguese primary school-aged children. METHODS A sample of children (n = 1022, mean age = 8.77 years old) was recruited in public and private schools from the cities of Coimbra, Lisbon and Porto, Portugal. The children's version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-C) was self-administered. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to measure associations (expressed as Odds Ratio, OR and 95% Confidence Intervals, CI) between each DASS-C subscale, dichotomized by its 4th vs. 3rd or less quartiles (symptoms increase with scores), and covariates: child sex, age, socioeconomic status (SES), sports activity beyond school, children self-assessed health status, child and mother's body mass index and mother's DASS scores. RESULTS Age was negatively associated with anxiety symptoms (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.57-0.87) and girls, compared to boys, presented lower odds of depressive and stress symptoms (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.47-0.92 and 0.57, 0.41-0.80, respectively). A low socioeconomic status was associated with more frequent symptoms of stress (adjusted OR, 95%CI for low compared to high SES: 1.61, 1.01-2.56). Children with poorer self-assessed health status and whose mothers scored higher in the DASS also presented significantly higher odds of scoring in the 4th quartile (vs. 3rd or less) of the three DASS-C subscales. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the need to tailor preventive efforts targeting childhood mental health symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Costa
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício São Bento, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Marina Cunha
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342CINEICC - Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ferreira
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342CINEICC - Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Augusta Gama
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício São Bento, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.9983.b0000 0001 2181 4263Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Aristides M. Machado-Rodrigues
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício São Bento, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.410929.70000 0000 9512 0160High School of Education, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Vítor Rosado-Marques
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício São Bento, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.9983.b0000 0001 2181 4263Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Nogueira
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício São Bento, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Department of Geography and Tourism, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria-Raquel G. Silva
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício São Bento, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.91714.3a0000 0001 2226 1031Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Padez
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício São Bento, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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