Influence of the Parental Educational Level on Physical Activity in Schoolchildren

The relationship between lifestyle habits and obesity among students in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia: using the Arab Teens Lifestyle (ATLS) questionnaire

BACKGROUND

The Arab Teens Lifestyle (ATLS) questionnaire was an initiative to assess the lifestyle habits influencing obesity rates in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including physical activity (PA) patterns, sedentary and eating behaviours. Since its implementation, the ATLS questionnaire has been used in several studies among different age groups and populations. This instrument has not previously been administered among the university students of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where the obesity rates are the highest in the country. This research was the first that aimed to identify lifestyle habits influencing the rates of obesity among 18-25-year-old university students in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) using the ATLS questionnaire.

METHODS

Quantitative cross-sectional research among n = 426 students of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia using the ATLS questionnaire.

RESULTS

Out of n = 426 participants, n = 200 (47%) were categorised (using body mass index) as normal weight; n = 113 (26.5%) were overweight, and n = 73 (17.1%) were obese. The findings showed that most of the nutritional, PA, and sedentary behavioural factors (e.g., screen time) in the questionnaire were not associated with obesity status amongst the participants. In the obese group, more of the males that consumed fruits, French fries, cakes, sweets and doughnuts more than three times per week were likely to be obese, which was not the case for females.

CONCLUSION

The reported lifestyles of the students could potentially lead to long-term negative health effects, which is of concern given the rising rates of overweight, obesity, and obesity-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the Kingdom's adult and ageing population. Further studies are recommended to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Saudi students in the Eastern Province in relation to PA, sedentary behaviours, and dietary habits, along with their views on how these can be improved.

Adherence to physical activity and screen time recommendations of youth: Demographic differences from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018

Background

Engaging in physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviors among youth are linked to improved mental and physical health. This study aimed to examine demographic differences among youth adhering to PA and Screen Time (ST) recommendations.

Methods

The present study utilized data from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The NHANES survey employed a cross-sectional design and gathered information on the daily duration of moderate-to-vigorous PA lasting 60 min or more, as well as the maximum daily ST not exceeding 2 h. The analysis encompassed a total of 1697 youth aged between 6 and 17 years.

Results

Overall, 36.3% of participants adhered to PA recommendations, 20.9% adhered to ST recommendations and 10.8% of youth met both recommendations. The odds of meeting PA, ST and both recommendations were inversely associated with obesity (obese vs. normal: aOR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.42-0.75]), (aOR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.48-0.94]) and (aOR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32-0.82]) respectively, and age (14-17 years vs. 6-9 years: aOR, 0.2 [95% CI, 0.15-0.27]), (aOR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.23-0.47]) and (aOR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.09-0.3]) respectively.

Conclusion

A small portion of the youth met PA and ST recommendations. Older youth, youth with obesity, and youth with a parent or guardian who had not completed a high school education were particularly at risk.

Association between arterial health and cognition in adolescents: The PANIC study

We investigated the associations of the measures of arterial health with cognition in adolescents and whether physical activity (PA) or sedentary time (ST) confounds these associations. One hundred sixteen adolescents (71 boys) aged 15.9 ± 0.4 participated in the study. PA and ST were assessed using a combined accelerometer/heart rate monitor. Overall cognition was computed from the results of psychomotor function, attention, working memory, and paired-associate learning tests. Pulse wave velocity was measured by impedance cardiography, carotid intima-media thickness, and carotid artery distensibility by carotid ultrasonography. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured using an aneroid sphygmomanometer. SBP was inversely associated with overall cognition (standardized regression coefficient [β] = -0.216, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.406 to -0.027, p = 0.025). Pulse wave velocity (β = -0.199, 95% CI -0.382 to -0.017, p = 0.033) was inversely associated with working memory task accuracy. SBP was directly associated with reaction time in the attention (β = 0.256, 95% CI 0.069 to 0.443, p = 0.008) and errors in the paired-associate learning tasks (β = 0.308, 95% CI 0.126 to 0.489, p = 0.001). Blood pressure was inversely associated with overall cognition. PA or ST did not confound the associations. Results suggest that preventing high blood pressure is important for promoting cognition in adolescents.

The cross-sectional association of parental psychosocial status with children's Body Mass Index z-score and the mediating role of children's energy balance behaviors - the ABCD Study

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the cross-sectional association between the psychosocial status of mothers and fathers and the BMI z-scores of their 10 to 12-year-old children. Explore whether this association is mediated by children's diet, physical activity, screen time and sleep. Analyze the moderating effect of the educational levels of both the mother and father on the association.

DESIGN

In a cross-sectional study design, children's height and weight were measured following a standardized protocol. Parents completed the validated Depression Anxiety and Stress questionnaire, while diet quality, sports participation, time spent in bed and screen time were assessed through child-report using previously validated questions.

PARTICIPANTS

The data for this study were obtained from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study, involving children aged 10 to 12 years and both of their parents (N = 1315).

RESULTS

The majority, 80%, of the parents were highly educated and born in the Netherlands, and 68% of the children had a healthy BMI. Maternal or paternal psychosocial status was not significantly associated with children's BMI z-score (maternal β -0.0037; 95% CI: -0.008 to 0.0007, paternal β 0.0028; 95% CI: -0.007 to 0.002). Screen time mediated the association between paternal psychosocial status and children's BMI z-score (β = 0.010, 95% CI: 0.002; 0.020). Children's diet, physical activity, and sleep did not mediate the association between paternal psychosocial status and children's BMI z-score. Parental educational level was not a moderator.

CONCLUSIONS

This research is unique in including four energy balance behaviors and including both mothers and fathers' psychosocial status. Children withfathers experiencing poorer psychosocial status engaged in more screen time which partly explained their higher BMI z-score.

Traditional surveys versus ecological momentary assessments: Digital citizen science approaches to improve ethical physical activity surveillance among youth

The role of physical activity (PA) in minimizing non-communicable diseases is well established. Measurement bias can be reduced via ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) deployed via citizen-owned smartphones. This study aims to engage citizen scientists to understand how PA reported digitally by retrospective and prospective measures varies within the same cohort. This study used the digital citizen science approach to collaborate with citizen scientists, aged 13-21 years over eight consecutive days via a custom-built app. Citizen scientists were recruited through schools in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in 2018 (August 31-December 31). Retrospective PA was assessed through a survey, which was adapted from three validated PA surveys to suit smartphone-based data collection, and prospective PA was assessed through time-triggered EMAs deployed consecutively every day, from day 1 to day 8, including weekdays and weekends. Data analyses included paired t-tests to understand the difference in PA reported retrospectively and prospectively, and linear regressions to assess contextual and demographic factors associated with PA reported retrospectively and prospectively. Findings showed a significant difference between PA reported retrospectively and prospectively (p = 0.001). Ethnicity (visible minorities: β = - 0.911, 95% C.I. = -1.677, -0.146), parental education (university: β = 0.978, 95% C.I. = 0.308, 1.649), and strength training (at least one day: β = 0.932, 95% C.I. = 0.108, 1.755) were associated with PA reported prospectively. In contrast, the number of active friends (at least one friend: β = 0.741, 95% C.I. = 0.026, 1.458) was associated with retrospective PA. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of mortality globally, which requires accurate monitoring to inform population health interventions. In this digital age, where ubiquitous devices provide real-time engagement capabilities, digital citizen science can transform how we measure behaviours using citizen-owned ubiquitous digital tools to support prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases.

Availability of Recreation Facilities and Parks In Relation to Adolescent Participation in Organized Sports and Activity Programs

Most adolescents do not meet physical activity guidelines, so understanding facilitators and barriers is important. This study used surveys and geocoded location data to examine associations of availability of parks and recreation facilities with adolescent-reported participation in organized team sports and physical activity classes. The study was conducted with 928 adolescents aged 12-17 years, plus one parent/caretaker, recruited from two regions of the US. Adolescents' participation in teams and classes was positively associated with parents' perceptions of multiple available recreation environments, but not with objectively-measured availability. Having multiple nearby parks and recreation facilities may provide adolescents with more options for participating in preferred organized team sports and activity classes.

Associations between Dietary Patterns and Physical Activity with Physical Fitness among Adolescents in Shandong Province, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The trend of physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) among Chinese adolescents is not optimistic, and unhealthy dietary behaviors are common. PA and dietary patterns (DPs) have been linked to PF in adolescents, but the associations between DPs and PF with PF in Chinese adolescents are rarely discussed. Methods: A total of 8796 adolescents aged 11–18 were enrolled from Shandong Province, China. The CNSPFS battery was applied to assess PF. PA levels and diet quality were determined using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents and the modified Chinese Diet Quality Questionnaire, respectively. This study used factor analysis to identify DPs and linear regression models to investigate the association between PF and related factors. Results: The average PF score of the participants was 75.67. Adolescents who were girls, lived in rural areas and were active in PA performed better on the PF test (p < 0.05). Boys whose fathers were university educated or above had a higher probability of achieving higher PF scores (OR 4.36, 95% CI 1.32–14.36); however, if their mothers were university educated or above, they had a lower probability of achieving higher PF scores (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.063–0.76). Unhealthy dietary pattern was negatively correlated with cardiorespiratory fitness in boys (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.31–0.98). The association between unhealthy dietary pattern and girls’ BMI became significant after adjustment for PA (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Girls performed better in PF than boys. Highly educated fathers could contribute to improve the PF performance in boys. There were four DPs among adolescents in Shandong Province, and different DPs may have different effects on PF in boys and girls.

How disability severity is associated with changes in physical activity and inactivity from adolescence to young adulthood

BACKGROUND

Disabilities may play a different role in determining people's physical activity (PA) and physical inactivity (PI) levels when they go through multiple lifetime transitions (e.g., graduation, marriage) between adolescence and young adulthood. This study investigates how disability severity is associated with changes in PA and PI engagement levels, focusing on adolescence and young adulthood, when the patterns of PA and PI are usually formed.

METHODS

The study employed data from Waves 1 (adolescence) and 4 (young adulthood) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which covers a total of 15,701 subjects. We first categorized subjects into 4 disability groups: no, minimal, mild, or moderate/severe disability and/or limitation. We then calculated the differences in PA and PI engagement levels between Waves 1 and 4 at the individual level to measure how much the PA and PI levels of individuals changed between adolescence and young adulthood. Finally, we used two separate multinomial logistic regression models for PA and PI to investigate the relationships between disability severity and the changes in PA and PI engagement levels between the two periods after controlling for multiple demographic (age, race, sex) and socioeconomic (household income level, education level) variables.

RESULTS

We showed that individuals with minimal disabilities were more likely to decrease their PA levels during transitions from adolescence to young adulthood than those without disabilities. Our findings also revealed that individuals with moderate to severe disabilities tended to have higher PI levels than individuals without disabilities when they were young adults. Furthermore, we found that people above the poverty level were more likely to increase their PA levels to a certain degree compared to people in the group below or near the poverty level.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study partially indicates that individuals with disabilities are more vulnerable to unhealthy lifestyles due to a lack of PA engagement and increased PI time compared to people without disabilities. We recommend that health agencies at the state and federal levels allocate more resources for individuals with disabilities to mitigate health disparities between those with and without disabilities.

Correlates of Sedentary Time Among Children and Adolescents in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

To assess the correlates of sedentary time among children and adolescents in Ethiopia.

METHODS

The study was conducted in representative samples of children and adolescents in the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations of sedentary time and predictor variables.

RESULTS

The mean sedentary time was 4.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.35-4.86) hours per day. Overall, the prevalence of high sedentary time (>3 h/d) was 68.2% (95% CI, 64.2-72.2). Results of multivariable logistic regression analyses showed a statistically significant association between high sedentary time and female household head (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32-0.80), literate mothers (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI, 1.26-3.11), child attending public school (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.12-2.85), children who belonged to the poor and rich household wealth tertiles compared with medium wealth tertile (AOR = 2.30; 95% CI, 1.42-3.72 and AOR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.14-3.65, respectively), and those families that did not have adequate indoor play space for children (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.29-0.72).

CONCLUSION

The study found that time spent sedentary was high in the study area as compared with other studies of similar settings. Several modifiable factors were identified that can be targeted in interventions to reduce sedentary time in the study setting.

Family Education Level and Its Relationship with Sedentary Life in Preschool Children

Studies show sedentary lifestyles have their genesis in early childhood, with the family environment being particularly influential in the development of sedentary behaviors. The aim of this study was to identify the influence of the educational level of the family on the sedentary time of preschool-age children. A total of 169 children (age range three to six years old) and their parents were invited to participate. Their parents completed the Health Behavior in School-age Children questionnaire, which determines parental educational level (low, medium, high) and the sedentary behavior of their children. Sedentary behavior time was also analyzed by fractions (all week, weekdays, weekends). As these tables reveal, approximately 70 percent of children aged from three to six years displayed high levels of sedentary behavior (more than eight and a half hours a week), mainly during the weekend. Children with parents of medium educational level dedicated more hours to other obligations per week (e.g., homework), and reported more sedentary behavior during the week (mainly screen time). Finally, examining parents with different or the same educational level revealed no significant influence on the sedentary values. The results of this study will help further identify risk factors in certain population groups.

When Are Children Most Physically Active? An Analysis of Preschool Age Children’s Physical Activity Levels

The levels of physical activity (PA) in the population have decreased, especially at an early age. The aims of the study were: to evaluate the percentage of children meeting PA recommendations for both genders, and to measure steps and PA level at different time intervals during the week. This was an observational cross-sectional study. Seventy-three schoolchildren (36 boys and 37 girls), aged two years (2.12 ± 0.46), were selected to participate in this study. Participants wore an “Actigraph GT3X” accelerometer for seven days to measure the minutes engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and step volume. The results show 100% of the children studied met the recommended 60 min/day of MVPA, and 50% achieved 120 min/day MVPA and 13,000 steps per day. No gender differences were found. The results of the analysis show a propensity for higher step volumes and PA values from Monday to Friday. In addition, subjects achieved higher step volumes and PA values during “School Time” than “Out-of-School Time”. Given that during “School Time” children showed higher PA and step values, schools represent an important place to help facilitate PA milestones. This study shows the need for further studies and interventions aimed at understanding and improving children’s PA levels at an early age.

Use of Wearable Devices to Study Physical Activity in Early Childhood Education

Physical activity recommendations for early childhood are gradually being met to a lesser extent today. The objectives of the study were: (i) to assess the degree of compliance with physical activity (PA) recommendations by gender; and (ii) to analyze the level of PA and steps in different periods over a week. This study was an observational cross-sectional study. Sixty-three young children (33 boys and 30 girls) aged two years (2.15 ± 0.35) were recruited for this study. Participants wore a “Garmin vivofit® jr.” activity tracker for seven days, collecting minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and step volume (Out-of-School Time and School Time). The results show a 50% compliance of the 120 min/day MVPA and 13,000 steps per day. No gender differences were detected. The findings in the analysis indicated a trend towards higher PA and steps at the Weekend. Moreover, participants reached higher PA and steps values “Out-of-School Time” than “School Time” (MVPA) (min/day). This study can provide strategies and motivational PA guidelines at school to enhance well-being at an early age. These activity trackers could stimulate more sustainable forms of urban mobility, such as walking, as the environment would accompany the child to meet daily PA recommendations.

Effectiveness of a school-based intervention on physical activity and screen time among adolescents

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component school-based intervention on physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) among urban adolescents in Bangladesh.

DESIGN

Cluster-randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

Eight high schools were randomly assigned to either intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). Participants (n = 160 per group, 40 school) were in grades 8-9. A 12-week multi-component intervention was developed based on the WHO's Health-Promoting Schools framework. The IG received weekly supervised circuit exercise (30 min/week), health education session (10 min/week) with health educational materials, and lunchtime sports activities (20 min/week). The main outcome measures included self-reported PA, ST, knowledge on PA and SB, which were assessed at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks. Repeated measures ANCOVA was used to evaluate the intervention effects.

RESULTS

Total PA (MET-min/week) was increased from baseline to 8 and 12 weeks in the IG (3%-5%) but decreased in the CG (5%-3%) and significantly improved in the IG compared to the CG (p < 0.001) over time. Average ST (min/day) reduced from baseline to 8 and 12 weeks in the IG (28%-35%), while remained unchanged in the CG (6%-5%). The IG had a significantly lower average ST than the CG at 12 weeks. The average knowledge scores on PA and SB were significantly higher in the IG than the CG at 12 weeks (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our intervention has demonstrated some promising effects on increasing PA, reducing ST, and improving PA and SB knowledge. This study underscores the need for a scaled-up evaluation in other locations including rural settings.

Influence of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in children: A scoping review of the literature

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

There is an urgent concern about physical inactivity among children caused by recent restrictions for containing the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This scoping review aims to identify the impact of the pandemic and related factors on children's physical activity (PA).

METHODS

Twenty-one studies published in 2020 that evaluated PA among children under the age of 18 were extracted from electronic databases. The survey contexts, samples, PA measurement methods, and main findings of each study were categorized and summarized.

RESULTS

The review yielded the following results: 1) the PA of children and adolescents mostly decreased; 2) the decrease in PA was more prevalent in boys and older children and adolescents; 3) the decrease in PA was less prevalent in children who live in detached houses, houses with more space, rural areas, and with more family members; and 4) parental support and consideration of location and activity types may help children maintain or increase their PA during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

This review shows a decline in PA among children and raises concerns about the pandemic's impact on physical and mental health. Declines in PA appear greater among children who participate in organized team sports and those with limited space and opportunity for habitual PA at home or in their neighborhood. Public support for children and families should consider these findings to prevent the negative effects of physical inactivity.

Students' Physical Activity Profiles According to Children's Age and Parental Educational Level

The aim of this study was to identify different profiles of physical activity (PA) behaviors according to the school student’s age stage and their parents’ or guardians education level. Seven hundred twenty-seven students and parents of different educational stages were invited to take part in this study. The participants included, Preschool (1 to 5 years old), Primary School (6 to 11 years old), Secondary School (12 to 15 years old), and High School (16 to 18 years old). A questionnaire to assess the educational level of parents (low, intermediate, and high) and their child’s PA level and sedentary behaviors across various age stages was administered. The results showed a number of different physical activity profiles for preschool (4), primary (6), secondary (7) and high school (2) students. Primary and secondary school children’s behavioral profiles were reported to differ significantly between both physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors, while preschool students’ behavioral profiles only differed between sedentary behaviors. Higher parental education was most prevalent in clusters with significantly higher levels of PA in primary and secondary students, while there were equivocal trends for parental education level influencing behavioral profiles of high school students. These findings suggest there is some association between the behavioral profiles of student’s physical activity and sedentary behavior, and parental education level, most noticeably during the early to middle age stages.

School- and Leisure Time Factors Are Associated With Sitting Time of German and Irish Children and Adolescents During School: Results of a DEDIPAC Feasibility Study

Objective: The study aims to investigate to what extent school- and leisure time-related factors are associated with sedentary behavior during school in German and Irish children and adolescents. Methods: The study based on a sample of 198 children and adolescents surveyed in 2015. Sedentary and activity behavior were measured using the activPAL physical activity monitor. Information on socio-economic status, school- and leisure-time related factors were provided by questionnaires. Associations between school- and leisure time-related factors and sedentary time during school were estimated using linear multi-level models. Results: Access to play equipment in school was associated with reduced sitting time (hours/day) of children (ß = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.06-1.48). Media devices in bedroom and assessing the neighborhood as activity friendly was associated with increased sitting time of children (ß = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.12-1.72 and ß = 0.30; 95%CI = 0.01-0.60, respectively). The permission to use media devices during breaks was associated with increased sitting time (hours/day) of adolescents (ß = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.06-0.69). A less safe traffic surrounding at school was associated with reduced sitting time of adolescents (ß = -0.42; 95% CI = -0.80 to -0.03). Conclusion: Results suggest that school- and leisure time-related factors are associated to the sedentary behavior during school. We suggest that future strategies to reduce sedentary time should consider both contexts.