Family characteristics and children's knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular disease has the highest mortality rate than any other disease globally. Some major risk factors seem to be established in the early stages of life, suggesting preventive strategies as a major means to reduce cardiovascular mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of socioeconomic status and family characteristics on children's knowledge and perceptions concerning cardiovascular disease risk factors. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 1,728 children (46% male) aged 10–12 years, attending Greek primary schools in Athens; Heraklion (capital city of the island of Crete); Kalamata; Pyrgos; and Sparti (Peloponnese peninsula), Greece. Sampling was conducted on school premises, during the school years 2014–15 and 2015–16 (participation rate, 95–100%). Data were collected via self‐administered, anonymous questionnaire. Children's knowledge of various issues related to cardiovascular risk, such as nutrition, physical activity and smoking was also examined. Data on family characteristics were collected through another questionnaire completed by parents. Results Paternal education level and living with both parents instead of single‐parent upbringing, were positively associated with children's knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors (b = 0.42; 95%CI: 0.01–0.83; P = 0.04; and b = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.013–1.43; P = 0.02 respectively). Moreover, children with more siblings seemed to have less sufficient knowledge compared with peers with fewer siblings (b per 1 sibling = −0.24; 95%CI: −0.47 to −0.014; P = 0.04). Conclusions The present findings enhance the link between the micro‐environment and children's knowledge and perceptions concerning cardiovascular health, providing information to health‐care professionals while counseling youths.

Cardiovascular prevention in childhood: a consensus document of the Italian Society of Cardiology Working Group on Congenital Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Prevention in Paediatric Age

“…It has also been observed that children living with both parents have greater awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and more correct eating habits than their counterparts whose parents are separated 42,43 …”

“…40,41 It has also been observed that children living with both parents have greater awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and more correct eating habits than their counterparts whose parents are separated. 42,43 Over recent years, the number of grandparents who take care of their grandchildren has been on an upward trend. Coexistence with grandparents is beneficial for children and adolescents' health, most of all when they are primary caregivers.…”

The role of family structure in health literacy in children and adolescents: a narrative review

“…Several other studies have revealed that poor HL is associated with stigma and poor self-esteem (12,13). Family structure as a role model in determining children's personality, lifestyle, and social behaviors has long been studied (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). In a systematic review, three dominant areas in the parental influence of children's eating habits were revealed: (a) active guidance/education, (b) psychosocial mediators, and (c) moderating influence of general parenting styles (15).…”