BackgroundOur knowledge of the role of parental and child-care staff behavior in the development and prevention of obesity is rapidly increasing. Potential interaction between both settings in so-called meso-systems, as hypothesized by the ecological systems perspective, is however often ignored. Specifically, inconsistency between home and child-care is hypothesized to have negative effects on child outcomes.MethodsParticipants were recruited through 23 child-care centers in the Netherlands. Data regarding 161 child-parent-child-care staff triads were available. Parenting and child care practices were assessed using validated questionnaires for parents (Child Feeding Practices Questionnaire, Preschooler Physical Activity Parenting Practices instrument) and child-care staff (Child-care Food and Activity Practices Questionnaire), using similar items in both settings. Absolute difference scores between parents and child-care staff were calculated for each triad as a measure of meso-system consistency. Child outcomes were physical activity (as assessed by accelerometry), dietary intake (from the parental questionnaire), and measured BMI z-scores. Paired t-tests were used to examine consistency between practices in both settings. Linear regression analyses were used to explore the association of parenting practices, child-care practices and difference scores on the one hand, and child outcomes on the other.ResultsSignificant differences between settings were found for almost all practices, and in most cases child-care staff scores more favorable on the practices than parents. Inconsistencies were mostly associated with unhealthy dietary intake and lower physical activity levels, but not with BMI.ConclusionThe current study showed that inconsistencies in parenting and child-care practices exist, and that these inconsistencies seem to be associated with unhealthy behavior in children. The results underline the importance of studying meso-system influences on behavior in general, and children’s energy balance-related behavior specifically.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify opportunities to improve the current health and social situation of low socioeconomic status (SES) families and to gain a better understanding of the main needs regarding health promotion. Low-SES families were approached to participate in a photovoice study. Method: The study took place in the municipality of Vaals, which is located in the southernmost part of the Netherlands. A diverse group of ten people from eight different families took about 150 photographs within their community on topics they considered important for their health and quality of life. This was followed by individual interviews and a focus group interview. Results: Four main needs were identified: meeting each other, helping each other, feeling safe and being mobile. The photographs showed that health-related themes had low priority for these families. Conclusion: The low-SES families focused on upstream factors relating to independence, self-resilience and a sense of belonging, to help them cope with their current situation. This study represents a first step towards the development of a community approach to health promotion in low-SES families.