|
1
|
McEachern LW, Ismail MR, Seabrook JA, Gilliland JA. Fruit and Vegetable Intake Is Associated with Food Knowledge among Children Aged 9–14 Years in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9101456. [PMID: 36291393 PMCID: PMC9600281 DOI: 10.3390/children9101456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Interventions to improve dietary quality and intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) among Canadian children have had modest success, and it has been suggested that food knowledge could be key to improvement. Programs have been criticized for insufficiently connecting food knowledge with food skills and decision making about dietary intake. The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with FV consumption by elementary school children, aged 9–14 years, in Ontario, Canada, including food knowledge, socioeconomic status, sociodemographic characteristics, and the food environment. In 2017–2019, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 2443 students at 60 elementary schools across Southwestern Ontario (SWO), Canada. A parent survey was used to validate self-reported sociodemographic variables. The mean intake of FV reported by these participants was 2.6 (SD 1.1) and 2.4 (SD 1.2) servings/day, respectively. A FV intake below WHO guidelines was reported by 40.7% of respondents. Knowledge score, child age, and parent employment status significantly predicted higher reported intake of FV. This study shows that FV intake among this population group is low, and increased intake is associated with higher food knowledge. To encourage healthy eating, school-based food and nutrition programs that incorporate multiple components and emphasize food literacy are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise W. McEachern
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Mariam R. Ismail
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Jamie A. Seabrook
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON N6G 1H2, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
| | - Jason A. Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Colley P, Seabrook JA, Woodruff SJ, Gilliland J. Examining Elementary School Children's Knowledge about Food and Nutrition in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2022; 83:59-67. [PMID: 35014546 DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2021-037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Knowledge is fundamental to helping children make nutritional choices that support lifelong healthy behaviours. This study (i) investigates elementary school children's knowledge about food and nutrition and (ii) identifies sociodemographic factors influencing children's reported knowledge.Methods: In 2017-2019, a survey was administered to 2443 students (grades 5-8) at 60 schools across southwestern Ontario, Canada, and a parent survey was used to validate self-reported sociodemographics. Multiple regression was used to analyse children's knowledge scores and related sociodemographic factors. A total knowledge score was calculated by summing correct responses derived from 46 individual questions in the student survey.Results: Mean total knowledge score was 29.2 out of a possible 46 points (63.5% correct). Students demonstrated some knowledge and awareness of strategies to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption, healthy food selection, nutrition, and food preparation skills, although knowledge of food guide recommendations and locally sourced produce were limited. Female sex, family income, and rurality were associated with higher knowledge scores.Conclusions: Results provide insight regarding strengths and gaps in elementary-school children's food and nutrition knowledge. Poor performance of students on specific food guide-related questions suggests that the general guidance of the 2019 Canada's Food Guide might be better understood by children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paige Colley
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College at Western University, London, ON
| | | | - Jason Gilliland
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Ostermeier E, Tucker P, Clark A, Seabrook JA, Gilliland J. Parents' Report of Canadian Elementary School Children's Physical Activity and Screen Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312352. [PMID: 34886076 PMCID: PMC8656757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 public health protocols have altered children’s daily routines, limiting their physical activity opportunities. The purpose of this study was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children’s (ages 10–12 years) physical activity and screen time, and to explore the impact of gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and public health constraints (i.e., facility use and social interaction) on the changes in children’s health behaviors. Online surveys were disseminated to parents at two time points: before COVID-19 (May 2019 to February 2020) and during COVID-19 (November to December 2020). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess changes in physical activity and screen time, and for subgroup analyses. Parents (n = 95) reported declines in children’s physical activity (Z = −2.53, p = 0.01, d = 0.18), and increases in weekday (Z = −4.61, p < 0.01, d = 0.33) and weekend screen time (Z = −3.79, p < 0.01, d = 0.27). Significant changes in physical activity and screen time behaviors were identified between gender, SES, and facility use groups. All social interaction groups underwent significant changes in screen time. Overall, COVID-19 protocols have negatively influenced children’s physical activity and screen time. Due to the negative consequences of inactivity and excessive screen time, resources must be made available to support families during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ostermeier
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- Child Health and Physical Activity Laboratory, School of Occupational Therapy, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography and Environment, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.C.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Patricia Tucker
- Child Health and Physical Activity Laboratory, School of Occupational Therapy, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography and Environment, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.C.); (J.A.S.)
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
| | - Andrew Clark
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography and Environment, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.C.); (J.A.S.)
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
| | - Jamie A. Seabrook
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography and Environment, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.C.); (J.A.S.)
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON N6G 1H2, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Jason Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography and Environment, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.C.); (J.A.S.)
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environment, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- School of Health Studies, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-519-661-2111 (ext. 80963)
| |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
Widyastari DA, Saonuam P, Rasri N, Pongpradit K, Katewongsa P. Prevalence and Trends of Physical Activity in Thai Children and Young People: Pooled Panel Data Analysis from Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity 2012-2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10088. [PMID: 34639389 PMCID: PMC8508253 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to describe the level and trends of physical activity (PA) in Thai children and young people and examine PA changes during transitional periods. Employing nine rounds of Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) 2012-2020, this study pooled three sets of data and included children and young people aged 6-17 years in the analysis: 1595 in SPA2012-2016, 1287 in SPA2017-2019, and 853 persons in SPA2020. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in five regions, 13 provinces, and 36 villages in SPA2012-2019, whereas an online survey was administered in all provinces in SPA2020. The prevalence of sufficient moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) among Thais aged 6-17 years ranged from 19.0 percent to 27.6 percent, with a significant drop during the period of COVID-19 spread in 2020. The average daily MVPA ranged from 46 to 57 min and dropped to 36 min during the pandemic. Boys were consistently more active than girls in all nine rounds of the SPA, and girls had more difficulty in maintaining or improving their PA level. A significant increase in the proportion of Thai children and young people with sufficient MVPA was observed during their transition from late primary to early secondary school grades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dyah Anantalia Widyastari
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| | - Pairoj Saonuam
- Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand; (P.S.); (N.R.)
| | - Niramon Rasri
- Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand; (P.S.); (N.R.)
| | - Kornkanok Pongpradit
- Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Centre (TPAK), Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| | - Piyawat Katewongsa
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Martin G, Graat M, Medeiros A, Clark AF, Button BLG, Ferguson KN, Gilliland JA. Perceived neighbourhood safety moderates the relationship between active school travel and health-related quality of life. Health Place 2021; 70:102623. [PMID: 34265633 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a dearth of studies examining associations between active school travel and children's health-related quality of life. Additionally, studies have not examined how perceived neighbourhood characteristics may moderate these associations. This study aims to examine the relationship between regular active school travel, children's physical and psychosocial health-related quality of life, and the potential moderating effects of their perceived neighbourhood safety (interpersonal and traffic). This cross-sectional study used data from Ontario schoolchildren (aged 8-14) as part of the Spatial Temporal Environment and Activity Monitoring (STEAM) Project. Results showed no significant direct relationship between regular active school travel and children's physical or psychosocial functioning; but the relationships were moderated by perceived neighbourhood safety. Regular active school travelers with high levels of perceived neighbourhood interpersonal safety, had higher physical and psychosocial functioning than regular active school travelers with low levels of perceived neighbourhood interpersonal safety. Additionally, at higher levels of perceived neighbourhood traffic safety, regular active school travelers had higher psychosocial functioning than regular active school travelers with lower perceived neighbourhood traffic safety. Interventions promoting active school travel should consider the environments through which children will be traveling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gina Martin
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada
| | - Megan Graat
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Alina Medeiros
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Andrew F Clark
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Brenton L G Button
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Medical Education Research Lab in the North, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Kendra Nelson Ferguson
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada; School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Button BLG, Clark AF, Martin G, Graat M, Gilliland JA. Measuring Temporal Differences in Rural Canadian Children's Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17238734. [PMID: 33255449 PMCID: PMC7727807 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to measure the factors that influence children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during school curriculum time, recess time, and outside school time in a rural area. During the Fall and Winter of 2016, 34 boys and 55 girls aged 8–14 years from rural communities in rural Northwestern Ontario participated in the Spatial Temporal Environment and Activity Monitoring project. The children’s MVPA was measured using an accelerometer, and child-level demographic, behavioral, and environmental data were gathered from surveys, passively logging global positioning units, and municipal datasets. Data on daily temperature and precipitation were gathered from the closest Environment Canada weather station. A mixed model was used to assess the relationship between child- and day-level factors and children’s MVPA. On average, children were getting 12.9 min of MVPA during recess, 17.7 min during curriculum time, and 29.0 min of MVPA outside school time. During all three time points, boys were more active than girls. During curriculum time, children in lower grades were more active, and the weather had differing impacts depending on the time of day. The findings of this study illustrate the differences in MVPA and the factors that influence MVPA by time of day. Examining different time segments provides valuable information for understanding children’s MVPA patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenton L. G. Button
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.F.C.); (G.M.); (M.G.); (J.A.G.)
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-519-661-2111 (ext. 81239); Fax: +1-519-661-3750
| | - Andrew F. Clark
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.F.C.); (G.M.); (M.G.); (J.A.G.)
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Gina Martin
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.F.C.); (G.M.); (M.G.); (J.A.G.)
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Megan Graat
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.F.C.); (G.M.); (M.G.); (J.A.G.)
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Jason A. Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (A.F.C.); (G.M.); (M.G.); (J.A.G.)
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|