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Vega-Perona H, Estevan I, García-Ochoa YC, Martínez-Bello DA, Bernabé-Villodre MDM, Martínez-Bello VE. Role of Spanish Toddlers' Education and Care Institutions in Achieving Physical Activity Recommendations in the COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:51. [PMID: 35053676 PMCID: PMC8774401 DOI: 10.3390/children9010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
To our knowledge, there are no published studies that describe the physical activity (PA) levels and objectively measure them through accelerometry in toddlers (2-3 years old) attending early childhood education and care (ECEC) institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this study were two-fold: (a) to analyse toddlers' PA levels and sedentary behaviour (SB) during school hours in ECEC institutions, as well as the rate of adherence to specific recommendations on total PA (TPA) and moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA); and (b) to evaluate the characteristics correlates (age, gender, and body mass index -BMI) of young children and the school environment on toddlers' TPA, light PA (LPA), MVPA, and SB during school hours in ECEC institutions. PA was evaluated with ActiGraph accelerometers. The main findings were that: (a) toddlers engaged in very high amounts of TPA and MVPA during ECEC hours; (b) girls and boys displayed similar levels of LPA, TPA, and SB, while girls had lower levels of MVPA, compared to boys, and younger toddlers were less active than older ones; (c) BMI was not associated with PA of any intensity or SB; (d) playground and classroom density were not associated with higher levels of PA of any intensity, though classroom density was associated with SB. These ECEC institutions provide and challenge the new COVID-19 scenario, as well as supportive environments for toddlers' PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herminia Vega-Perona
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (H.V.-P.); (I.E.); (M.d.M.B.-V.)
- COS Research Group, Body, Movement, Music and Curricular Practices, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Isaac Estevan
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (H.V.-P.); (I.E.); (M.d.M.B.-V.)
- AFIPS Research Group, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Yolanda Cabrera García-Ochoa
- COS Research Group, Body, Movement, Music and Curricular Practices, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Language Theory and Communication Sciences, Faculty of Philology, Translation and Communication, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel A. Martínez-Bello
- Programa de Bacteriología y Laboratorio Clínico, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga Cl. 45 11-52, Colombia;
| | - María del Mar Bernabé-Villodre
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (H.V.-P.); (I.E.); (M.d.M.B.-V.)
- COS Research Group, Body, Movement, Music and Curricular Practices, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Vladimir E. Martínez-Bello
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (H.V.-P.); (I.E.); (M.d.M.B.-V.)
- COS Research Group, Body, Movement, Music and Curricular Practices, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
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Johnson VR, Acholonu NO, Dolan AC, Krishnan A, Wang EHC, Stanford FC. Racial Disparities in Obesity Treatment Among Children and Adolescents. Curr Obes Rep 2021; 10:342-350. [PMID: 33988825 PMCID: PMC8120762 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-021-00442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With the growing obesity epidemic among children and adolescents, the evaluation of disease origin to slow disease progression is necessary. Racial disparities which are evident amid prevalence and treatment must be studied to counteract disease propagation. RECENT FINDINGS Disparities are pronounced among Black and Hispanic pediatric patients prior to conception and birth due to genetic composition and fetal environment. Postnatal environment and psychosocial influences can further increase a child/adolescent's propensity to increased weight. Current treatment options including nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgery are underutilized in communities of color due to limited access to care and cost. Data is limited to demonstrate disparities among treatment of obesity in children and adolescents. The reviewed studies show the role of race on disease treatment. Increased research efforts, especially in pharmacotherapy and metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), will help combat obesity in pediatric communities of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica R Johnson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, 259 E. Erie Street, Suite 2150, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Nonyerem O Acholonu
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana C Dolan
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Fatima Cody Stanford
- Departments of Medicine, Neuroendocrine Unit and Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology, Boston, MA, USA
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard, MGH Weight Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Herr RM, Diehl K, Schneider S, Osenbruegge N, Memmer N, Sachse S, Hoffmann S, Wachtler B, Herke M, Pischke CR, Novelli A, Hilger-Kolb J. Which Meso-Level Characteristics of Early Childhood Education and Care Centers Are Associated with Health, Health Behavior, and Well-Being of Young Children? Findings of a Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4973. [PMID: 34067043 PMCID: PMC8125417 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Characteristics of early childhood education and care (ECEC) centers might be relevant for children's health. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the association between meso-level characteristics (MLCs) of ECEC centers with children's health, health behavior, and wellbeing. Five databases were searched for quantitative and qualitative research articles published in English or German since 1 January 2000 on health, health behavior, and wellbeing of children aged 0 to 6 years considering MLCs of ECEC centers. Two authors screened 10,396 potentially eligible manuscripts and identified 117 papers, including 3077 examinations of the association between MLCs and children's health indicators (Kappas > 0.91). Five categories of MLCs were identified: (1) structural characteristics, (2) equipment/furnishings, (3) location, (4) facilities/environment, (5) culture/activities/policies/practices, and 6) staff. Only very few studies found an association of MLCs with body weight/obesity, and general health and wellbeing. Especially physical activity and mental health were related to MLCs. In general, the location (rural vs. urban, neighborhood status) seemed to be a relevant health aspect. MLCs of ECEC centers appeared relevant for child health indicators to different degrees. Future research should focus on these associations, in detail, to identify concrete ECEC indicators that can support health promotion in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael M. Herr
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (K.D.); (S.S.); (N.O.); (N.M.); (J.H.-K.)
| | - Katharina Diehl
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (K.D.); (S.S.); (N.O.); (N.M.); (J.H.-K.)
| | - Sven Schneider
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (K.D.); (S.S.); (N.O.); (N.M.); (J.H.-K.)
| | - Nina Osenbruegge
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (K.D.); (S.S.); (N.O.); (N.M.); (J.H.-K.)
| | - Nicole Memmer
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (K.D.); (S.S.); (N.O.); (N.M.); (J.H.-K.)
| | - Steffi Sachse
- Institute of Psychology, University of Education Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Stephanie Hoffmann
- Department of Public Health, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany;
| | - Benjamin Wachtler
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Max Herke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany;
| | - Claudia R. Pischke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Center for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Anna Novelli
- Chair of Health Economics, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany;
| | - Jennifer Hilger-Kolb
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (K.D.); (S.S.); (N.O.); (N.M.); (J.H.-K.)
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Objectively Measured Sedentary Levels and Bouts by Day Type in Australian Young Children. J Phys Act Health 2021; 18:580-586. [PMID: 33837164 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0299] [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: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to understand whether a higher number of sedentary bouts (SED bouts) and higher levels of sedentary time (SED time) occur according to different day types (childcare days, nonchildcare weekdays, and weekends) in Australian toddlers (1-2.99 y) and preschoolers (3-5.99 y). METHODS The SED time and bouts were assessed using ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers. The sample was composed of 264 toddlers and 343 preschoolers. The SED bouts and time differences were calculated using linear mixed models. RESULTS The toddlers' percentage of SED time was higher on nonchildcare days compared with childcare days (mean difference [MD] = 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.7 to 3.9). The toddlers had a higher number of 1- to 4-minute SED bouts on nonchildcare days compared with childcare days. The preschoolers presented higher percentages of SED time during nonchildcare days (MD = 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 4.5) and weekends (MD = 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 3.4) compared with childcare days. The preschoolers presented a higher number of SED bouts (1-4, 5-9, 10-19, and 20-30 min) during nonchildcare days and weekends compared with childcare days. No SED times or bout differences were found between nonchildcare days and weekends, neither SED bouts >30 minutes on toddlers nor on preschoolers. CONCLUSION The SED time and bouts seem to be lower during childcare periods, which means that interventions to reduce sedentary time should consider targeting nonchildcare days and weekends.
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The Influence of the Early Childhood Education and Care Environment on Young Children's Physical Activity: Development and Reliability of the PLAYCE Study Environmental Audit and Educator Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072497. [PMID: 32268499 PMCID: PMC7177316 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Participation in physical activity is crucial for the healthy growth and development of young children. More robust measurement of environmental influences on children’s physical activity in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings may help resolve inconsistencies in the literature. This study evaluated the reliability of an environmental audit and educator practice survey for assessing ECEC physical, policy, and social environments related to young children’s physical activity. (2) Methods: A convenience sample of 20 ECEC centres participated in this PLAYCE (Play Spaces and Environments for Children’s Physical Activity) sub-study. Trained auditors conducted audits and educators completed surveys, two weeks apart. Test-retest reliability of the survey (n = 32), inter-rater (n = 20 pairs) and intra-rater reliability (n = 38) of the audit was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), Kappa statistics and percent agreement. (3) Results: Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability ICCs for outdoor equipment, spaces and features were good to excellent (ICC = 0.70–0.94), while ratings for indoor equipment, media and spaces varied from fair to excellent (ICC = 0.46–0.78). The majority of items were rated by Kappa as moderate or above for intra-rater, inter-rater and survey test-retest reliability. (4) Conclusions: The PLAYCE Study instruments provide reliable measures of ECEC physical activity environments which can help to better understand influences on young children’s physical activity.
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Ricardo LIC, da Silva ICM, de Andrade Leão OA, Domingues MR, Wehrmeister FC. Objectively measured physical activity in one-year-old children from a Brazilian cohort: levels, patterns and determinants. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2019; 16:131. [PMID: 31842916 PMCID: PMC6916047 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-019-0895-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to describe objectively measured physical activity (PA) and its correlates in one-year-old children. Methods The current study includes participants from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort. At age one, PA was assessed in a 24-h protocol during 4 days with a wrist-attached accelerometer (ActiGraph, wGT3X-BT), from which two complete days of data were analyzed, with 5-s epochs. Results A total of 2974 individuals provided valid accelerometry data. Infants able to walk independently spent on average 19 h per day below 50 mg of acceleration (including sleep time), and those who could not walk spent on average 21 h in this intensity category. Girls spent approximately 10 min more than boys below 50 mg daily in both walking status categories, and less activity than boys on higher intensity categories. Boys and infants whose mothers were more physically active during pregnancy presented more acceleration, regardless of walking status. Among infants who could walk by themselves, those with mothers with one to eight schooling years; adequate length-for-age (z-score); not attending daycare; and more physically active fathers also showed higher levels of acceleration. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate higher levels of PA among boys and those children with higher maternal PA during pregnancy, regardless of walking status. Also, among infants able to independently walk, 1–8 years of maternal schooling, adequate length-for-age (z-score), no daycare attendance and higher paternal PA are positive correlates of objectively measured PA early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Isnardi Cardoso Ricardo
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3rd Floor - Centro, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Crochemore M da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3rd Floor - Centro, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Otávio Amaral de Andrade Leão
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3rd Floor - Centro, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Marlos Rodrigues Domingues
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3rd Floor - Centro, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Fernando C Wehrmeister
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3rd Floor - Centro, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Costa S, Benjamin-Neelon SE, Winpenny E, Phillips V, Adams J. Relationship Between Early Childhood Non-Parental Childcare and Diet, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234652. [PMID: 31766666 PMCID: PMC6926528 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of childhood obesity is a global public health concern. Evidence suggests that exposure to non-parental childcare before age six years is associated with development of obesity, diet, and activity behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep). However, findings are inconsistent and mostly from cross-sectional studies, making it difficult to identify the direction of causation in associations. This review identified and synthesised the published research on longitudinal associations between non-parental childcare during early childhood, diet, and activity behaviours. Seven databases were searched, and results were independently double-screened through title/abstract and full-text stages. Included studies were evaluated for risk of bias. Of the 18,793 references screened, 13 met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. These presented results on 89 tested childcare/outcome associations, 63 testing diet outcomes (59% null, remainder mixed), and 26 testing activity behaviour outcomes (85% null, remainder mixed). The scarce available literature indicates little and mixed evidence of a longitudinal association. This reflects a paucity of research, rather than clear evidence of no effect. There is an urgent need for studies investigating the longitudinal associations of non-parental childcare on diet and activity behaviours to assess potential lasting effects and mechanisms; whether and how effects vary by provider; and differences by intensity, duration, and population sub-groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Costa
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (S.E.B.-N.); (E.W.); (J.A.)
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)1509-226-304
| | - Sara E. Benjamin-Neelon
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (S.E.B.-N.); (E.W.); (J.A.)
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Eleanor Winpenny
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (S.E.B.-N.); (E.W.); (J.A.)
| | - Veronica Phillips
- Medical Library, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK;
| | - Jean Adams
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (S.E.B.-N.); (E.W.); (J.A.)
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The Associations Between Environmental Characteristics of Early Childhood Education and Care Centers and 1-Year Change in Toddlers' Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior. J Phys Act Health 2019; 16:1000-1006. [PMID: 31476735 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2019-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the associations between environmental characteristics of early childhood education and care (ECEC) centers and 1-year change in toddlers' physical activity and sedentary behavior while at the centers. METHODS Data from 292 toddlers from the GET-UP! study were analyzed. Environmental characteristics of ECEC centers were rated using the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-revised edition at baseline. Children's physical activity and sedentary behavior in the centers were assessed using activPAL devices, at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Linear mixed models were performed to examine the associations between the environmental characteristics and change in the proportion of time spent in physical activity and sedentary behavior. RESULTS Compared with baseline, children spent a higher proportion of time in sedentary behavior (sitting) but a lower proportion of time in standing and physical activity (stepping) while at ECEC centers, at 1-year follow-up. The environmental characteristics "interaction" (B = -1.39; P = .01) and "program structure" (B = -1.15; P = .04) were negatively associated with change in the proportion of time spent in physical activity. CONCLUSION Better "interaction" and "program structure" may preclude children's physical activity from declining over time and may be considered important features to target in future interventions in ECEC centers aiming at promoting active lifestyles.
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Ott E, Vanderloo LM, Tucker P. Physical activity and screen-viewing policies in Canadian childcare centers. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:145. [PMID: 30717787 PMCID: PMC6360710 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6290-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) offers numerous health benefits for young children; however, many children enrolled in childcare engage in low levels of PA and high levels of sedentary time. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and content of written PA and screen-viewing (SV) policies in Canadian childcare centers. METHODS Using a modified version of the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation Self-Report (EPAO-SR) tool, an online survey was distributed to all directors/administrators of center-based childcare facilities across Canada. Reminder emails were sent to encourage survey completion and a strong response rate. Descriptive statistics were used to explore demographic characteristics and frequencies were run to examine the number of centers that implemented a PA or SV policy. Deductive content analysis was completed to identify common themes in participants' open-ended responses. RESULTS A total of 1158 childcare representatives participated in the study; 514 provided complete data. Of these, 295 (44%) centers indicated having a written PA policy (with the majority regulated at the provincial/territorial-level; n = 227; 42%). Content of these policies included amount of time: spent outdoors (n = 395; 63%); in teacher-led active play (n = 101; 16%); and PA education for children (n = 91; 16%). Additionally, 178 (29%) respondents reported a written policy regarding SV (with majority regulated at the center-level; n = 173; 34%) and primarily focusing on amount of time children watch television. CONCLUSIONS PA regulations are more common than SV policies in Canadian childcare centers; however, less than half implement a PA policy and only a third adopt SV regulations. An opportunity exists to advance practice by adopting proactive approaches to encouraging young children to be more active and less sedentary in childcare (i.e., through written policies). Supplementing policy with accessible resources, as well as consistent provision of early childhood educator (staff) training, represent important steps for putting said policies into action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ott
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, 1201 Western Road, Elborn College Rm 2580, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
| | - Leigh M Vanderloo
- School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, 1201 Western Road, Elborn College Rm 2547, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, 1201 Western Road, Elborn College Rm 2547, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada.
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