Generation Pep Study: A population‐based survey on diet and physical activity in 12, 000 Swedish children and adolescents. (2nd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rosell, Magdalena; Carlander, Anders; Cassel, Sophie; Henriksson, Pontus; J‐son Höök, Malin; Löf, Marie
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 110:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 2597
• Page End: 2606
• Publication Date: 2021-04-02
• Subjects: dietary intake -- national sample -- sedentary behaviour; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.15850
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: This study presents dietary intake and physical activity in a large nationally representative sample of children and adolescents in Sweden. It also reports the study protocol for the Generation Pep Study that will be used for yearly repeated measurements. Methods: A random sample of children and adolescents aged 4–17 years living in Sweden was invited to fill in a Web‐based questionnaire on dietary intake and physical activity. For participants aged <12 years, the parents were asked to fill in the questionnaire together with their child. Information on socio‐economic background was collected from the parents. Results: A total number of 12, 441 children and adolescents participated in the study (participation rate 43%). The results indicate that 13‐ to 17‐year‐olds have notably less healthy dietary intake and lower physical activity compared with younger age groups. In general, the dietary intake was most healthy among 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds. A socio‐economic gradient was seen for many of the studied variables. Conclusion: Participants of a high socio‐economic status and younger age generally had healthier dietary intake and higher physical activity. The study provides novel national data as it includes a wide age of children and adolescents (4–17 years).