Associations between familial affluence and obesity risk behaviours among children

BACKGROUND: Results of studies examining associations between socioeconomic status and obesity among children are mixed. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether physical activity, television viewing, computer use, and fruit, vegetable, soft drink and sweet consumption differed according to familial affluence of children attending schools in disadvantaged communities. METHOD: A total of 218 children (seven to 11 years of age) recruited from three Calgary (Alberta) schools located in two adjacent socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods completed online surveys during the spring of 2005/2006. The number of days per week participating in vigorous physical activity for more than 20 min, and weekly frequency of fruit, vegetable, sweet and soft drink consumption were collected. Time spent watching television and using a computer during a normal school day was also captured. A family affluence scale was used to assess socioeconomic status (number of family holidays in the past year, ownership of motor vehicles and computers, and bedroom sharing). Associations between familial affluence and obesity risk behaviours were estimated using Pearson's correlation and demographic-adjusted logistic regression ORs. RESULTS: Higher family affluence scale scores were significantly associated with weekly fruit consumption (r= 0.14). Children with lower affluence were less likely to participate in vigorous physical activity five days/week or more (OR= 0.39), and to use a computer for more than 2 h/day (OR= 0.41) than children with higher affluence. Linear trends between familial affluence and the likelihood of participating in physical activity and using a computer were also found. However, no other behaviours were related to affluence. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing opportunities for physical activity and accessibility to healthy food may be important for reducing obesity risk among less affluent children.