Keywords
physical fitness
eating behaviours
parental education
pre-schoolers
How to Cite
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine children’s health-related lifestyle habits as a function of sex, parental physical activity engagement and parental education in a sample of three-to-six-year-old children from Granada, Spain. A cross-sectional, non-randomised design was employed. Validated questionnaires
were administered to evaluate children’s physical fitness (IFIS), Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED) and eating behaviour (CEBQ). In the same way, an ad-hoc questionnaire was developed to collect data on sociodemographic variables, screen and sleep time, and parental PA engagement and education. Data were analysed using the IBM SPSS 25.0 statistical software package. Data were collected from 653 of the 2,250 three-to-six-year-old children attending 18 different schools. Children whose parents were both physically active exhibited greater Mediterranean diet adherence, more balanced eating habits and lower screen time. Similarly, children whose parents were both highly educated reported greater Mediterranean diet adherence and lower screen time compared to those with less educated or less active parents. The present study shows that children benefit from having both physically active and highly educated parents, which leads to healthier habits. Future interventions should focus on equipping parents to enhance their children’s health.
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