Evaluation of dietary behaviors of preschool children in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do associated with the level of parents' health consciousness: using nutrition quotient for preschoolers (NQ-P)

Early childhood eating behaviors associated with risk of overweight and its socio-ecological determinants in Korean preschool children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify preschool children's eating behaviors associated with early childhood obesity and its multi-level, socio-ecological determinants.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of 364 mothers of preschool children aged 3-5 years, these children's healthy eating behaviors were assessed using a validated preschool nutrition quotient (NQ-P) questionnaire. The children's overweight or obesity statuses were determined based on body mass index percentiles from the 2017 Korean National Growth Chart. The associations between the NQ-P score and risk of overweight or obesity were examined using multivariable logistic regression. The associations of individual, maternal, physical, and media environmental factors with the NQ-P score were also examined using multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

Preschool children with greater NQ-P scores were at a significantly lower risk of overweight or obesity (P < 0.01). The NQ-P score had a significantly positive association with maternal body mass index and an inverse association with household income (all P < 0.05). Maternal parenting and feeding practices exhibited associations with the NQ-P score. Positive associations were observed with "warm," "structured," and "autonomy-supportive" parenting as well as monitoring feeding practices (all P < 0.05). In addition, the NQ-P score had a significantly positive association with the childcare center's anti-obesogenic environment, such as the provision of nutritional and physical-activity support and vicinity of the built food environment to the home, including access to good-quality food, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat foods (all P < 0.05). Regarding media environments, the NQ-P score demonstrated more significant associations with viewing and eating and/or cooking content displayed on online video platforms (all P < 0.05) than with that on television.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm the significance of healthy eating behaviors in early-childhood-obesity prevention and underscore the importance of multilevel maternal, physical, and media environmental interventions that effectively guide eating behaviors in preschool children.

Analysis of the factors that influence preschool children eating behavior by applying the health belief model: Seoul and Gyeonggi Province

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study explores the parental characteristics that affect the eating behaviors of preschool children. The nutrition quotient for preschool children (NQ-P) tool was applied to measure the eating behaviors of preschool children, and the relationship between parents' health beliefs and children's eating behaviors was investigated by applying the health belief model.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In August 2018, a self-administered online survey was conducted on a sample of parents of children aged 3 to 5 years living in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area. A total of 248 respondents were analyzed via descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Tukey's multiple comparison test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

The eating behaviors of preschool children significantly differed based on parents' education level and monthly income (P < 0.01). Among the factors of the health belief model, "perceived benefit" had the highest score at 4.37 points. The multiple regression analysis confirmed that parents' "self-efficacy" raised the NQ-P scores (β = 0.175, P < 0.05), balance scores (β = 0.204, P < 0.01), and environment scores of preschool children (β = 0.149, P < 0.05). The study results showed that if parents are educated on healthy eating habits and their level of self-efficacy for healthy eating practices increases, the formation of correct eating behaviors for preschool children is more likely.

CONCLUSION

This study provides preliminary data to develop an education program for parents to understand proper eating behaviors for their children and may help form healthy eating habits and encourage the healthy growth of preschool children.

Anthropometric Parameters and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Preschool Children in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia-Are They Related?

Obesity is a rapidly growing problem in European countries, Croatia being among them. According to the latest CroCOSI data, every third child in Croatia aged 8.0–8.9 years is overweight or obese. The Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and its impact on nutritional status and health has been the focus of recent research. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional, observational study was to determine the nutritional status and adherence to the MeDi of preschool children in Split, Croatia. We included 598 preschool children aged 3 to 7 years and, for each child, parents completed a lifestyle questionnaire and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) in order to assess adherence to the MeDi. The anthropometric assessment included the measurement of weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference (WC) and the z-score was calculated. According to the z-score, 420 (70.2%) children had a healthy body weight with 54 (9%) underweight and 124 (20.8%) overweight or obese children. Almost half (49%) of the study participants had a low KIDMED index score, indicating a low MeDi adherence, 37% had an average score, while only 14% had high MeDi compliance. Statistically significant negative correlations between MUAC and WC and the consumption of a second daily serving of fruit (p = 0.04) as well as a daily serving of vegetables (p = 0.03) were found. In conclusion, low compliance to the MeDi principles in preschool children is concerning. Considering the beneficial effects of the MeDi on overall health, further education, and the adoption of healthy eating habits in preschool children in this Mediterranean region are required.