The Influence of Home and School Environments on Children’s Diet and Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Abstract

Introduction The home and school environments play important roles in influencing children's health behaviours. However, their simultaneous influence on childhood obesity has not yet been examined. We explore the relationship of the home and school environments with childhood obesity, to determine whether this relationship is mediated by children's fruit and vegetable intake and physical behaviours. Methods This study uses baseline data from 9 to 11 year old children, their parents and school principals (matched data n = 2466) from the Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle Project. Child-reported behaviours, parent-reported home environment and principal-reported school environment data were collected via questionnaires. Trained researchers measured children's height and weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m) was calculated. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the relationship of the home and school environments with children's fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity behaviours, and children's BMI. Result The home diet environment was positively associated with child diet (β = 0.18, p < 0.001). The home physical activity environment had the largest inverse association with BMI (β = - 0.11, p < 0.001), indirectly through child physical activity (β = 0.28 ,p < 0.001). Schools' healthy eating policy implementation was significantly associated with child diet (β = 0.52, p < 0.05), but physical activity policy was not associated with child activity (β = - 0.007, p > 0.05). The school environment was not associated with child BMI. Discussion The home environment had a stronger association with healthier child behaviours, compared to the school environment. These findings suggest that future childhood obesity interventions targeting healthier home environments and supporting parents can promote healthier child eating and physical activity behaviours.

Association between the school physical activity environment, measured and self-reported student physical activity and active transport behaviours in Victoria, Australia

“…Our finding of no association between quality of school physical activity environments and student weight status is consistent with Haddad et al’s (2018) study of approximately 2500 school children in the same age group set in both rural (32%) and metropolitan (68%) areas of South Australia [ 35 ]. Haddad and colleagues found the quality of the home environment was more strongly associated with students’ measured BMI than the school environment.…”

Longitudinal Analysis Between Maternal Feeding Practices and Body Mass Index (BMI): A Study in Asian Singaporean Preschoolers

“…For example, using food as an emotional regulator or reward, and allowing a child full autonomy over their feeding environment have been associated with overconsumption of calories, and possibly higher child BMI in western populations (24, 25). Additionally, parental modeling of healthy food intake, creation of a healthy diet and home environment may also be helpful for promoting optimal BMI in children (26). There are currently no longitudinal studies examining if these feeding practices are associated with subsequent child weight, or vice versa.…”

Exploring Children’s Physical Activity Behaviours According to Location: A Mixed-Methods Case Study

“…The school has been identified as a location that promotes PA [55,56,57]. Previous research has identified key windows during the day to contribute to school-based PA, as break time and other extracurricular periods provide opportunities for PA and fitness [58].…”