Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2017

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Health and Nutritional Sciences

First Advisor

Lacey McCormack

Keywords

children, environment, home, iGrow readers, kitchen, weight

Abstract

Background: In 2011-2014 8.9% of children 2-5 years old were classified as obese. Obesity in children predisposes them to negative health and psychological consequences. One of the most significant factors that influences a child is the physical environment the child is exposed to, which includes the home environment.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine how the home environment ie. cooking equipment, food preparation/availability, and frequency of family meals eaten at home, contribute to childhood obesity in children 3-5 years old.
Design: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of the iGrow Readers study.
Participants/setting: Total of 229 parent/child dyads but sample size varied for individual analyses depending on available data.
Intervention: The Comprehensive Home Environment Survey (CHES) was assessed at follow-up by the parent and specific categories and questions were taken from the CHES and analyzed.
Statistical analyses performed: T-test and chi-squared analyses were performed using Stata Version 14.
Results: Lack of counter and cupboard space along with decreased frequency of family meals increased the probability of having a child that was overweight or obese. Fruit and vegetable availability decreased the probability of having a child that was overweight or obese.
Conclusion: Many home environment factors, especially the kitchen environment and family meals, may be contributing to a child’s weight status.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Obesity in children.
Children -- Nutrition.
Diet -- Quality -- Health aspects.
Food habits -- Health aspects.

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 22-23)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

29

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright