Examining the relationship between health behaviors of adults and preschool children

Aileen Monica Ann Rivell; Nina Nandi; Dannelle Charles; Aileen Monica Ann Rivell; Janelle Gore; Melissa C Kay; J.A. Gazmararian

Examining the relationship between health behaviors of adults and preschool children

Nandi, N., Charles, D., Rivell, A., Gore, J., Kay, C., & Gazmararian, J. A. (2023). Examining the relationship between health behaviors of adults and preschool children. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 27(8), 1301-1307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03665-w

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Children aged two to five years old are influenced by the behaviors of their guardians and Early Care Education (ECE) teachers. This study aims to determine the relationship between adults' and children's health behaviors in home and ECE settings. This study is novel in examining this correlation between multiple environments.

METHOD: Surveys were conducted across 32 ECE centers. Guardians and teachers reported on their and their children's health behaviors within the home and ECE. Matched child-adult responses (n = 1,140) were analyzed from a representative sample of 32 ECE centers throughout Georgia. Frequency of consumption of fruits, vegetables, and water, as well as frequency of physical activity were measured. Spearman rho correlations were analyzed using SPSS software, with p < 0.05 indicating significance.

RESULTS: Spearman rho correlations indicated significant positive correlations between guardian and child behavior (rho = 0.49 to 0.70, p < 0.001) for all data. Teacher and child correlations were inconsistently significant across categories (rho = -0.11 to 0.17, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION: The influence of guardian behavior modeling on child health outcomes is critical for improving ECE programming and child obesity outcomes. This research can be used to inform future health interventions for young children.