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Lee S, Park S, Kim K. Food literacy and its relationship with food intake: a comparison between adults and older adults using 2021 Seoul Food Survey data. Epidemiol Health 2023; 45:e2023062. [PMID: 37448126 PMCID: PMC10667580 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2023062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to examine the differences in food literacy between adults and older adults and the association of food literacy with food group intake. METHODS In total, 4,039 participants from the 2021 Survey for Food Consumption in Seoul were included in this study. The intake of whole grains, high-protein foods, total vegetables, vegetables excluding kimchi and pickles, fresh fruits, and milk and dairy products was assessed using a simple food frequency questionnaire. Food literacy was measured using a food literacy measurement questionnaire. RESULTS With the exception of milk and dairy, adults had a significantly higher proportion of insufficient food intake than older adults (p<0.001). Both adults and older adults with sufficient food group consumption had higher food literacy scores. Notably, the difference in food literacy scores by level of food intake was highest for fresh fruits (p<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors affecting food literacy scores, a higher score was associated with a lower probability of having insufficient food intake in all food groups for both adults and older adults. Specifically, those in the highest food literacy score quartile were less likely to have insufficient intake of vegetables (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28 to 0.43) and fresh fruits (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.43), compared to the lowest quartile. CONCLUSIONS Improving food literacy is an important factor for promoting healthy food intake in older adults as well as adults. Therefore, it is necessary to develop intervention programs to work toward this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seulgi Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Sohyun Park
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
- The Korean Institute of Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Kirang Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
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2
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Mohsen H, Sacre Y, Hanna-Wakim L, Hoteit M. Nutrition and Food Literacy in the MENA Region: A Review to Inform Nutrition Research and Policy Makers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10190. [PMID: 36011837 PMCID: PMC9408592 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving food and nutrition literacy is fundamental to tackling the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's enormous challenges, including malnutrition and food insecurity. To direct initiatives, it is crucial to assess the region's food and nutrition literacy. Thus, we aimed to review studies on food/nutrition literacy status in the MENA countries and illuminate the region's research gaps in these areas, in terms of assessment, policy, and program implementation. METHODS PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched between 18 December and 8 May 2022, to identify relevant articles published up to 2022 in the MENA region. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in this review. Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran are the only three MENA countries where nutrition and/or food literacy were assessed. People in these countries mostly had inadequate food and/or nutrition literacy levels, especially in the skills rather than the cognitive domain. Food and/or nutrition literacy showed associations with food habits, food-label use, food-consumption patterns, school performance, food security, dietary diversity, and nutrient adequacy. The MENA countries developed no policies or programs to address food and nutrition literacy. CONCLUSION This review is a wake-up call for researchers and policymakers to develop a robust approach to combat food and nutrition literacy concerns in the MENA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Mohsen
- Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology (DSST), Lebanese University, Hadath 1103, Lebanon
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon
| | - Yonna Sacre
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon
| | - Lara Hanna-Wakim
- Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon
| | - Maha Hoteit
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
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Health Literacy in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081131. [PMID: 36010022 PMCID: PMC9406303 DOI: 10.3390/children9081131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Early childhood plays a key role in the formation of healthy habits and the establishment of health literacy. Nonetheless, there are only a few research studies focusing on the health literacy level of children under the age of eight. The aim of our systematic review is to explore empirical research on health literacy related to early childhood. The research was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol. This systematic review examines 12 studies published between 2013–2022. Results show that research focuses on different domains of health literacy for children. In relation to children’s food literacy, children understand the relationship between health and nutrition and they realize the health impact of obesity. The habits connected to oral health are strongly associated with parents’ knowledge of and behaviours around oral health. Results related to health care situations show that children are able to be actively involved in decision-making processes in connection with their health. Exploring young children’s health literacy is essential in order to be able to plan health promotion interventions, embedded into early childhood education. Picture-based messages or story-based messages supported by illustrations can help measure health literacy in early childhood and can support the formation of health literacy.
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Tavousi M, Mohammadi S, Sadighi J, Zarei F, Kermani RM, Rostami R, Montazeri A. Measuring health literacy: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis of instruments from 1993 to 2021. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271524. [PMID: 35839272 PMCID: PMC9286266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been about 30 years since the first health literacy instrument was developed. This study aimed to review all existing instruments to summarize the current knowledge on the development of existing measurement instruments and their possible translation and validation in other languages different from the original languages. METHODS The review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar on all published papers on health literacy instrument development and psychometric properties in English biomedical journals from 1993 to the end of 2021. RESULTS The findings were summarized and synthesized on several headings, including general instruments, condition specific health literacy instruments (disease & content), population- specific instruments, and electronic health. Overall, 4848 citations were retrieved. After removing duplicates (n = 2336) and non-related papers (n = 2175), 361 studies (162 papers introducing an instrument and 199 papers reporting translation and psychometric properties of an original instrument) were selected for the final review. The original instruments included 39 general health literacy instruments, 90 condition specific (disease or content) health literacy instruments, 22 population- specific instruments, and 11 electronic health literacy instruments. Almost all papers reported reliability and validity, and the findings indicated that most existing health literacy instruments benefit from some relatively good psychometric properties. CONCLUSION This review highlighted that there were more than enough instruments for measuring health literacy. In addition, we found that a number of instruments did not report psychometric properties sufficiently. However, evidence suggest that well developed instruments and those reported adequate measures of validation could be helpful if appropriately selected based on objectives of a given study. Perhaps an authorized institution such as World Health Organization should take responsibility and provide a clear guideline for measuring health literacy as appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Tavousi
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Mohammadi
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jila Sadighi
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zarei
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Health Education, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Mozafari Kermani
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahele Rostami
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Montazeri
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Humanity Sciences, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
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Park D, Choi MK, Park YK, Park CY, Shin MJ. Higher food literacy scores are associated with healthier diet quality in children and adolescents: the development and validation of a two-dimensional food literacy measurement tool for children and adolescents. Nutr Res Pract 2022; 16:272-283. [PMID: 35392524 PMCID: PMC8971819 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2022.16.2.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Most child and adolescent food literacy measurement tools focus on nutrition and food safety. However, the importance of aspects related to the food system such as food distribution and food waste and their effects on environmental sustainability is growing. We therefore developed and validated a two-dimensional tool for children (8–12 years old) and adolescents (13–18 years old) that can comprehensively measure food literacy. The association of food literacy with diet quality and self-reported health was assessed. SUBJECTS/METHODS First, we developed a food literacy conceptual framework that contains food system and literacy dimensions through a literature review, focus group interviews, and expert review. After a face validity study, we conducted the main survey (n = 200) to validate the questionnaire. Construct validity and reliability were assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS As a result of the Delphi study, content validity was confirmed for the remaining 30 items after two items were excluded (content validity ratio = 0.86). Eleven items were excluded from the EFA results, while the CFA results indicated appropriate fit indices for the proposed model (comparative fit index = 0.904, root mean square error of approximation = 0.068). The final food literacy questionnaire consisted of 19 questions and comprised 5 factors: production, distribution, selection, preparation and cooking, and intake. Food literacy was positively associated with diet quality, as assessed by the Nutrition Quotient score, in both children and adolescents and with self-reported health in adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Based on this integrated conceptual framework, a two-dimensional 19-item food literacy measurement tool was developed and verified for practical use to improve the diet quality and food-related environmental sustainability awareness of children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahyun Park
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Choi
- Faculty of Food and Health Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea
| | - Yoo Kyoung Park
- Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
- Department of Medical Nutrition, AgeTech-Service Convergence Major, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
| | - Clara Yongjoo Park
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Shin
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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Carroll N, Perreault M, Ma DWL, Haines J. Assessing food and nutrition literacy in children and adolescents: a systematic review of existing tools. Public Health Nutr 2021; 25:1-16. [PMID: 34728004 PMCID: PMC9991546 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021004389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Food literacy (FL) and nutrition literacy (NL) are concepts that can help individuals to navigate the current food environment. Building these skills and knowledge at a young age is important for skill retention, confidence in food practices and supporting lifelong healthy eating habits. The objectives of this systematic review were to: (i) identify existing tools that measure FL and NL among children and/or adolescents and (ii) describe the psychometric properties. DESIGN A 4-phase protocol was used to systematically retrieve articles. The search was performed in May 2021. Study characteristics and psychometric properties were extracted, and a narrative synthesis was used to summarise findings. Risk of bias was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. SETTING Six databases were searched to identify current tools. PARTICIPANTS Children (2-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years) participated in this study. RESULTS Twelve tools were identified. Three tools measured FL, 1 tool measured NL, 4 tools measured both FL and NL, and 4 tools measured subareas of NL-more specifically, critical NL, food label and menu board literacy. Most tools were self-reported, developed based on a theoretical framework and assessed some components of validity and/or reliability for a specific age and ethnic group. The majority of tools targeted older children and adolescents (9-18 years of age), and one tool targeted preschoolers (3-6 years of age). CONCLUSIONS Most widely used definitions of FL and NL do not acknowledge life-stage specific criterion. Continued efforts are needed to develop a comprehensive definition and framework of FL and NL appropriate for children, which will help inform future assessment tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Carroll
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Maude Perreault
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ONN1G 2W1, Canada
| | - David WL Ma
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jess Haines
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ONN1G 2W1, Canada
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Hemmer A, Hitchcock K, Lim YS, Butsch Kovacic M, Lee SY. Development of Food Literacy Assessment Tool Targeting Adults With Low Income. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 53:966-976. [PMID: 34426065 PMCID: PMC8922242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Develop and test validity and reliability of the Food Literacy Assessment Tool (FLitT) in adults with low income. DESIGN Face validity was tested using cognitive interviews, content validity using expert review, and internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability based on 2 administrations of the survey. SETTING Urban choice food pantry in Cincinnati, OH. PARTICIPANTS There were 10 and 98 adults with low income for the cognitive interview and survey, respectively VARIABLES MEASURED: Knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavior required to plan and manage, select, prepare, and eat in relation to food. ANALYSIS Cronbach α and Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 for internal consistency reliability and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test-retest reliability. RESULTS Cognitive interviews and expert feedback suggested modifications to improve the clarity of FLitT and offer more response options. Testing shows acceptable internal consistency in self-efficacy (Cronbach α = 0.92) and behavior (Cronbach α = 0.90) but not in knowledge (Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 = 0.51). The FLitT shows acceptable test-retest reliability for knowledge (ICC = 0.84), self-efficacy (ICC = 0.70), and behavior (ICC = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The FLitT was developed and tested for face and content validity and internal and test-retest reliability in adults with low income. Additional research is needed to conduct a second round of face validity and test construct validity using factor analysis with a larger size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Hemmer
- Nutrition Therapy Department, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kathryn Hitchcock
- Nutrition Therapy Department, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Youn Seon Lim
- Quantitative and Mixed Methods Research Methodologies, Educational Studies, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Melinda Butsch Kovacic
- Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Asthma Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Seung-Yeon Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.
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Vettori V, Lorini C, Gibbs HD, Sofi F, Lastrucci V, Sartor G, Fulvi I, Giorgetti D, Cavallo G, Bonaccorsi G. The Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Italian Subjects, NLit-IT: Exploring Validity and Reliability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073562. [PMID: 33808072 PMCID: PMC8036908 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test validity and reliability of the adapted version of the Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument (NLit) for Italian people (NLit-IT). An observational cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a convenience sample of adults (n = 74). To explore the validity of the tool, we considered both diet quality as an outcome of NL, and health literacy (HL) as a construct that presents similarities and differences with NL. Diet quality was measured by adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (Med diet) through the validated Mediterranean Diet Literature-based adherence score (MEDI-Lite). The relationship between NL level and adherence to Med diet was assessed by linear regression analysis and computing correlations between NLit-IT and MEDI-Lite scores (Spearman's Rho). Additionally, we evaluated the correlation between NLit-IT score and the level of HL (Spearman's Rho). Internal consistency and reliability were measured by Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) respectively. Internal consistency (ρT = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.84) and reliability (ICC = 0.68, 95% CI, 0.46-0.85) were confirmed. In addition, NLit-IT total score was correlated with MEDI-Lite score (Rho = 0.25; p-value = 0.031) and multivariate regression analysis confirmed that NL significantly contributed to MEDI-Lite score (R2 = 0.13; β = 0.13; p-value = 0.008). There was no significant association between the level of HL and NL. In conclusion, NLit-IT showed validity and reliability as a measure of NL for Italian people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Vettori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Lorini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Heather D. Gibbs
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd/MS4013, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Francesco Sofi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital of Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation Italy, Onlus IRCCS, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Vieri Lastrucci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
- Global Health Center, Meyer University Hospital, 24 Gaetano Pieraccini Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Gino Sartor
- School of Specialization in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Ilaria Fulvi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Duccio Giorgetti
- School of Specialization in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Cavallo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Guglielmo Bonaccorsi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 48 Morgagni Blvd, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.L.); (V.L.); (I.F.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
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An Interaction Path of Mothers' and Preschoolers' Food- and Physical Activity-Related Aspects in Disadvantaged Sicilian Urban Areas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18062875. [PMID: 33799751 PMCID: PMC7998198 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: The relationship between mothers and their children’s lifestyle is still unclear, especially in disadvantaged areas. Consequently, the study aims to identify a path explaining the extent to which maternal eating habits and physical activity (PA) level predict food-related aspects, PA practice and Quotient of Gross Motor Development (QGMD) in preschoolers from disadvantaged urban areas. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 79 dyads of mothers and children were recruited from kindergartens. Information related to family socio-demographic aspects, mothers’ and children’s dietary intake frequencies and PA/sedentariness, mothers’ weight and height, mothers’ perception on children’s food intake, and children’s food literacy (FL) was collected with a questionnaire and the Food Literacy Assessment Tool (preschool-FLAT), while gross-motor skills were measured with the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD); weight and height of children were directly collected. Results: Associations were found between mothers’ and children’s food habits; mothers’ and children’s fruit/vegetables consumption, and intake of the other items; mothers’ education or PA level and children’s FL; mothers’ PA or sedentariness and children’s QGMD; mothers’ BMI and food habits and children’s BMI; education and food habits. Conclusions: These findings can be useful to plan effective interventions targeted both to preschoolers and their mothers of disadvantaged urban areas for promoting healthy lifestyles, which have become increasingly difficult to achieve during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Battaglia G, Giustino V, Tabacchi G, Alesi M, Galassi C, Modica C, Palma A, Bellafiore M. Effectiveness of a Physical Education Program on the Motor and Pre-literacy Skills of Preschoolers From the Training-To-Health Project: A Focus on Weight Status. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:579421. [PMID: 33367276 PMCID: PMC7750875 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.579421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies reported a positive relationship between motor skills, cognitive functions, and school performance in school-age children; however, little is known in preschool children. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a physical education program (PEP) on locomotor, object control skills, and pre-literacy cognitive functions in a wide population of preschoolers and verify whether weight status could influence these abilities. In the context of the Training-to-Health Project, a sample of 1,029 preschoolers was recruited in kindergartens from the urban area of Palermo (Italy). Their gross motor and pre-literacy skills were tested before (PRE) and after (POST) following 16 weeks (2 h/week) of a PEP, which included ludic-motor activities aimed at developing body awareness and fundamental motor and perceptual-sensory skills. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) were performed to assess the skills before and after the intervention and to evaluate the effect of different categories of weight status on the examined variables. Regression analyses were conducted to confirm the hypothesized interrelationship between motor and pre-literacy skills in the considered sample. Both locomotor/object control and pre-literacy skills were significantly higher in children after the PEP (p < 0.05). We found 23% of overweight children and no significant difference between weight status classes in both PRE and POST PEP groups. In the POST group, higher locomotor and object control skills were mostly associated with better pre-literacy skills. This study shows that PEP was effective in improving both motor and pre-literacy skills in preschoolers independently from age and gender, while weight status did not affect these skills suggesting that this program can be administrated indifferently in children with different categories of weight status. Therefore, PEP could be a decisive education strategy to enhance motor and cognitive learning in preschool children and to achieve successful academic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Psychological, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Sport and Exercise Science Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valerio Giustino
- Department of Psychological, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Sport and Exercise Science Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Garden Tabacchi
- Department of Psychological, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Sport and Exercise Science Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marianna Alesi
- Department of Psychological, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Galassi
- Department of Psychological, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Sport and Exercise Science Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmen Modica
- Department of Psychological, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Palma
- Department of Psychological, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Sport and Exercise Science Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marianna Bellafiore
- Department of Psychological, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Sport and Exercise Science Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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