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Cross-Sectional Analysis of Family Factors Associated with Lifestyle Habits in a Sample of Italian Primary School Children: The I-MOVE Project

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Sanmarchi

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Alice Masini

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Carolina Poli

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Anna Kawalec

    (Department and Clinic of Paediatric Nephrology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Francesco Esposito

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Susan Scrimaglia

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Lawrence M. Scheier

    (LARS Research Institute, Inc., Sun City, AZ 85351, USA
    Prevention Strategies, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA)

  • Laura Dallolio

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Rossella Sacchetti

    (Department of Education Studies “Giovanni Maria Bertin”, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

The acquisition of healthy dietary and exercise habits during childhood is essential for maintaining these behaviors during adulthood. In early childhood, parents have a profound influence on a child’s lifestyle pursuits, serving as both role models and decision-makers. The present study examines family factors as potential contributors to healthy lifestyle habits and their child’s overall diet quality among a sample of primary school children. A secondary aim is to evaluate several aspects of diet quality using the Mediterranean adaptation of the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). This cross-sectional study involved 106 children enrolled in a primary school located in Imola, Italy. Data were collected from October to December 2019 using an interactive tool used to assess parent characteristics, children’s lifestyle, food frequency (ZOOM-8 questionnaire), and actigraph accelerometers to capture children’s physical activity and sedentary behavior. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (expressed by KIDMED Index) was positively associated with fathers’ educational level, parental sport participation, and the parent’s overall nutritional knowledge. Higher mothers’ educational level was inversely associated with children’s leisure screen time. Parents’ nutritional knowledge was positively related to children’s average daily minutes of organized sport activities. The better score for DQI-I was for consumption adequacy, followed by variety and moderation. The lowest score was for overall balance. The present study reinforces the importance of family factors in young children’s lifestyle choices, particularly their dietary, leisure time, and exercise habits.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Sanmarchi & Alice Masini & Carolina Poli & Anna Kawalec & Francesco Esposito & Susan Scrimaglia & Lawrence M. Scheier & Laura Dallolio & Rossella Sacchetti, 2023. "Cross-Sectional Analysis of Family Factors Associated with Lifestyle Habits in a Sample of Italian Primary School Children: The I-MOVE Project," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4240-:d:1082230
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Moisés Mebarak & Juan Mendoza & Duban Romero & José Amar, 2024. "Healthy Life Habits in Caregivers of Children in Vulnerable Populations: A Cluster Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(5), pages 1-13, April.

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