Relationship between lifestyle and mental health in preschool children
10.11852/zgetbjzz2023-0933
- VernacularTitle:学龄前儿童生活方式与心理健康的关联
- Author:
Chunyan JIN
1
;
Zhu ZHU
2
Author Information
1. Leshan Normal University, Leshan, Sichuan 614000, China
2. Xuzhou Kindergarten Teachers College
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
preschool children;
lifestyle;
behavior problems;
latent class analysis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Child Health Care
2024;32(3):255-260
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
【Objective】 To explore lifestyle patterns among Chinese preschool school children by latent class analysis, and to analyze its associations with behavior problems from person-centered perspective, in order to provide theoretical reference for improving children′s mental health. 【Methods】 A questionnaire survey was conducted among parents of children aged 3 - 6 years old in five kindergartens in Xuzhou city by cluster sampling from April to May 2021.The survey content included the demographic characteristics, rearing environment, life behaviors and behavior problems, which was measured by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire(SDQ). Latent class analysis was used to explore latent lifestyle patterns.Unadjusted and adjusted Logistic regression analysis was used to test the associations between latent lifestyle patterns and behavior problems. 【Results】 The sample size was 1 190, including 618 (51.9%) boys.Latent class analysis for 7 life behaviors showed that three latent class model was the best one: low-risk group (206, 17.3%), medium-risk group (721, 60.6%) and high-risk group (263, 22.1%).After controlling demographic factors, adjusted Logistic regression model showed that compared to low-risk group, children in high-risk group had more risks of developing hyperactivity (OR=2.129, 95%CI: 1.230 - 3.685), peer problems (OR=2.051, 95%CI: 1.316 - 3.197), and total difficulties (OR=2.081, 95%CI: 1.290 - 3.356). 【Conclusions】 Improper dietary balance and irrational structure of daily activities substantially escalate the risk of emotional and behavioral issues in preschool-age children.Helping preschool children form a healthy lifestyle pattern is conducive to preventing behavioral problems.
