Parent/caregiver's role in nutrition, physical activity, and food access among children diagnosed with spina bifida.
JoAnne L Whelan, Cheryl L H Armstrong, Rebecca Schroyer and 1 others
PMID 38160371WHAT IT FOUND
Families with spina bifida who reported poorer eating and activity habits had children with higher BMI scores.
Most caregivers had average nutrition knowledge, but food security was rarely an issue.
Key findings
01Lower family nutrition and physical activity scores were significantly associated with higher child BMI z-scores.
02Caregivers averaged a 'C' grade (70%) on nutrition knowledge, and 68.7% were overweight or obese.
03Food security was high in this group and was not a significant factor in child obesity levels.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was a convenience sample from a single clinic, limiting generalisability. Only English-speaking families were included, which may introduce selection bias. Caregiver BMI and health status were self-reported, which is less accurate than clinical measurements. The nutrition knowledge questionnaire was shortened from its original validated form. Child BMI data was taken from the maximum score over a three-year period, which may not reflect current weight status. The study is a pilot with a relatively small sample size (n=99 analysed), so findings are preliminary.
Declared interests
The text does not report any specific conflicts of interest or funding sources.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the association between family habits and child BMI as proof that changing family habits will reduce obesity. This is a cross-sectional pilot study that shows a correlation, not a causal effect, and it did not test an intervention.