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Family income and childhood obesity in eight European cities: The mediating roles of Neighborhood characteristics and physical activity

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  • Evans, Gary W.
  • Jones-Rounds, McKenzie L.
  • Belojevic, Goran
  • Vermeylen, Francoise

Abstract

Utilizing data from the Large Analysis and Review of European Housing and Health Status (LARES) research program conducted by the WHO in eight European cities (Forli, Vilnius, Ferreira do Alentejo, Bonn, Geneva, Angers, Bratislava, Budapest), we examined whether the well-documented inverse correlation between family income and children's BMI might be explained, in part, by access to open green space and ensuing physical activity. We found that household income was inversely related to BMI among 1184 children, ages 6–18 years of age. Utilizing structural equation modeling with statistical controls for age and gender, we found evidence for two indirect paths between household income and BMI. One indirect relationship operates successively through open green space and physical activity. The second path operates through physical activity alone. The child's height and weight as well as level of physical activity were reported by their mother. Open green space was assessed by trained observers' ratings of the area surrounding the child's home. Limitations of the study and implications for better understanding of the ecological context of obesity are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Evans, Gary W. & Jones-Rounds, McKenzie L. & Belojevic, Goran & Vermeylen, Francoise, 2012. "Family income and childhood obesity in eight European cities: The mediating roles of Neighborhood characteristics and physical activity," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(3), pages 477-481.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:75:y:2012:i:3:p:477-481
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.03.037
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brownson, R.C. & Baker, E.A. & Housemann, R.A. & Brennan, L.K. & Bacak, S.J., 2001. "Environmental and policy determinants of physical activity in the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(12), pages 1995-2003.
    2. Coombes, Emma & Jones, Andrew P. & Hillsdon, Melvyn, 2010. "The relationship of physical activity and overweight to objectively measured green space accessibility and use," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(6), pages 816-822, March.
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    1. Gwozdz, W. & Reisch, L. & Eiben, G. & Hunsberger, M. & Konstabel, K. & Kovacs, E. & Luszczki, E. & Mazur, A. & Mendl, E. & Saamel, M. & Wolters, M., 2020. "The effect of smileys as motivational incentives on children’s fruit and vegetable choice, consumption and waste: A field experiment in schools in five European countries," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    2. Hyytinen, Ari & Lahtonen, Jukka, 2013. "The effect of physical activity on long-term income," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 129-137.
    3. Siril Alm & Svein Ottar Olsen, 2017. "Coping with Time Pressure and Stress: Consequences for Families’ Food Consumption," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 40(1), pages 105-123, March.
    4. Kazakova, Yuliya, 2022. "Maternal employment and childhood obesity in Russia," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 47(C).

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