Dawn A Contreras1, Tiffany L Martoccio2, Holly E Brophy-Herb3, Mildred Horodynski4, Karen E Peterson5, Alison L Miller6, Neda Senehi7, Julie Sturza8, Niko Kaciroti9, Julie C Lumeng10. 1. Michigan State University Extension, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. 2. Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA. 3. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. 4. College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. 5. Department of the Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. 6. Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. 7. Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. 8. Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. 9. Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. 10. Department of Pediatrics and Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: With one in eight preschoolers classified as obese in the USA, childhood obesity remains a significant public health issue. This study examined rural-urban differences in low-income preschoolers' body mass index z-scores (BMIz), eating behaviors, dietary quality, physical activity (PA) and screen time. METHODS: Pre-intervention data from 572 preschooler-parent dyads participating in a randomized, controlled obesity prevention trial in the Midwest USA were analyzed. We examined the associations among living in rural versus urban areas, child BMIz and child obesity-related behaviors, including eating behaviors, dietary quality, PA and screen time. RESULTS: Rural children had higher BMIz, more emotional overeating behaviors and more time spent playing outdoors compared with urban children. We found no associations between children living in rural versus urban areas and dietary quality and screen time. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that rural-urban differences in BMIz may start as early as 3-4 years of age, if not earlier. To reverse the weight-related health disparities between rural and urban low-income preschoolers, structural changes in rural locations and family supports around coping skills may be needed.
BACKGROUND: With one in eight preschoolers classified as obese in the USA, childhood obesity remains a significant public health issue. This study examined rural-urban differences in low-income preschoolers' body mass index z-scores (BMIz), eating behaviors, dietary quality, physical activity (PA) and screen time. METHODS: Pre-intervention data from 572 preschooler-parent dyads participating in a randomized, controlled obesity prevention trial in the Midwest USA were analyzed. We examined the associations among living in rural versus urban areas, child BMIz and child obesity-related behaviors, including eating behaviors, dietary quality, PA and screen time. RESULTS: Rural children had higher BMIz, more emotional overeating behaviors and more time spent playing outdoors compared with urban children. We found no associations between children living in rural versus urban areas and dietary quality and screen time. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that rural-urban differences in BMIz may start as early as 3-4 years of age, if not earlier. To reverse the weight-related health disparities between rural and urban low-income preschoolers, structural changes in rural locations and family supports around coping skills may be needed.