Mårtensson, Fredrika
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
Aim To test how the quality of the outdoor environment of child day care centres (DCCs) influences children's health. Methods The environment was assessed using the Outdoor Play Environmental Categories (OPEC) tool, time spent outdoors and physical activity as measured by pedometer. 172/253 (68%) of children aged 3.05.9 from nine DCCs participated in Southern Sweden. Health data collected were body mass index, waist circumference, saliva cortisol, length of night sleep during study, and symptoms and well-being which were scored (1-week diary 121 parent responders). Also, parent-rated well-being and health of their child were scored (questionnaire, 132 parent responders). MANOVA, ANOVA and principal component analyses were performed to identify impacts of the outdoor environment on health. Results High-quality outdoor environment at DCCs is associated with several health aspects in children such as leaner body, longer night sleep, better well-being and higher mid-morning saliva cortisol levels. Conclusion The quality of the outdoor environment at DCCs influenced the health and well-being of preschool children and should be given more attention among health care professionals and community planners.
Keywords
Body mass index; Child day care; Cortisol; Night sleep; Outdoor environment; Physical activity
Published in
Acta Paediatrica
2013, volume: 102, number: 1, pages: 83-91
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL
SLU Authors
Associated SLU-program
Nature experiences and health
Global goals (SDG)
SDG3 Good health and well-being
SDG4 Quality education
UKÄ Subject classification
Applied Psychology
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Epidemiology
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.12047
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/43280