Abstract
Background
Diet quality and physical activity are two important factors in determining a child’s
risk for obesity. In early childhood, parents may serve as role models for these behaviors.
However, few studies have examined associations of a father’s body mass index (BMI),
dietary intake, and physical activity with his preschool-aged child.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between fathers’ and children’s
body weight, diet quality, and physical activity.
Design
This cross-sectional study included one-on-one interviews with fathers (n=150) of
preschool-aged children conducted by a trained interviewer (a registered dietitian
nutritionist).
Participants
To be eligible, biological fathers (n=150) of preschool-aged children (aged 3 to 5
years) were required to regularly eat at least one meal per week with their child
and be able to read or speak English. They could be of any race, ethnicity, income,
or education level.
Main outcome measures
During the interview, diet quality was assessed using a single 24-hour recall and
the Healthy Eating Index-2010. Physical activity was assessed using the Pre-Physical
Activity Questionnaire. Height and weight for each father and child were also measured.
BMI and BMI z scores were calculated for fathers and children, respectively.
Statistical analyses performed
Linear regression was used to test relationships between fathers’ and children’s body
weight, diet quality, and physical activity while controlling for income level, race,
and ethnicity.
Results
Overall, the findings revealed that there were significant, positive relationships
between father–child weight status (β=.03; P=0.05), overall diet quality (β=.39; P<0.0001), and weekday (β=.27; P=0.002) and weekend (β=.62; P=0.001) vigorous physical activity.
Conclusions
These results suggest that there are relationships between fathers’ and children’s
BMI z score, dietary intake, and physical activity level. Future research should consider
the inclusion of fathers in obesity prevention programs for young children.
Keywords
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Biography
R. L. Vollmer is an assistant professor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal; at the time of the study, she was a graduate student, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs.
Biography
K. Adamsons is an associate professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs.
Biography
J. S. Foster is a graduate student, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs.
Biography
A. Gorin is an associate professor, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs.
Biography
A. R. Mobley is an assistant professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 28, 2015
Accepted:
December 5,
2014
Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT This study was funded through a New Investigator’s Grant from the University of Connecticut’s Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention.
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
