Structural equation modeling of the associations between the home environment and obesity-related cardiovascular fitness and insulin resistance among Hispanic children. (1st June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santiago-Torres, Margarita; Cui, Yuchen; Adams, Alexandra K.; Allen, David B.; Carrel, Aaron L.; Guo, Jessica Y.; LaRowe, Tara L.; Schoeller, Dale A.
• Is Part Of: Appetite. Volume 101(2016)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2016-06-01
• Subjects: Structural equation modeling -- Home environment -- Cardiovascular fitness -- Insulin resistance -- Hispanic children; Food habits -- Periodicals; Appetite -- Periodicals; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.02.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6663

Abstract

Abstract: Hispanic children are disproportionally affected by obesity-related risk of metabolic disease. We used the structural equation modeling to examine the associations between specific diet and physical activity (PA) behaviors at home and Hispanic children's metabolic health. A total of 187 Hispanic children and their parents from an urban community in Wisconsin participated in the study. Exposure variables included, children's daily intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and PA; home availability of SSB and PA areas/equipment; and parents' intake of SSB and PA, assessed through self-administered questionnaires. Outcome variables for children's metabolic health included, measured anthropometrics; cardiovascular fitness assessed using the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER); and insulin resistance determined with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR ). We found that children's daily intake of SSB was positively associated with BMI z-score, which in turn, was positively associated with HOMAIR ( P < 0.05). Specific diet behaviors at home associated with children's intake of SSB, included home availability of SSB, which mediated the association between parents' and children's intake of SSB ( P < 0.05). Children's PA was positively associated with PACER z-score, which in turn, was inversely associated with HOMAIR ( P < 0.05). Specific PA behaviors at home associated with children's PA, included home availability of PA areas/equipment, which mediated the association between parents' and children's PA ( P < 0.05). The structural equation model indices suggested a satisfactory model fit (Chi-square, X 2 = 53.1, comparative fix index = 0.92, root-mean-squared error associated = 0.04). The findings confirm the need for interventions at the family level that promotes healthier home environments by targeting poor diet and low levels of PA in all family members.