Development of a healthy lifestyle assessment index for school-age children

Abstract

Introduction: Assessing children's lifestyles is fundamental for developing policies that prevent the onset of non-communicable diseases.

Objectives: To develop a short lifestyle index for school-age children (6 to 9 years old) and assess their lifestyle characterization.

Methodology: The index was developed based on data from the 7-year follow-up of the birth cohort Generation XXI (n=4336 children), grouped into four domains: frequency of food consumption, eating behaviours, physical activity (including sedentary behaviours) and sleep duration. Cronbach alpha coefficient was obtained to assess the index internal consistency. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics, the physical environment of the house, and the index score were evaluated through linear regression models, obtaining beta coefficients and respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results: The final index included only two domains (food consumption and physical activity) with a Cronbach alpha of 0.52 and a mean score of 3.6 ± 2.8 (range: -5 to 10). Maternal age (β=1.066; 95%CI=1.045-1.087), years of education (β=1.216; 95%CI=1.186-1.246), having a house with a garden (β=1.630; 95%CI=1.304-2.037), internet access (β=1.524; 95%CI=1.086-2.139) and having a bicycle (β=1.710; 95%CI=1.086-2.694) were positively associated with a healthier lifestyle of the children.

Conclusions: The index developed is a short instrument that can be used to evaluate school-age children’s overall lifestyle. Better maternal sociodemographic characteristics and a better house physical environment increase the likelihood of children having a healthier lifestyle.