A recent study conducted in Singapore has shed light on the lifestyle patterns of children aged 10 years old in the city-state. The study, entitled “Correlates of lifestyle patterns among children in Singapore aged 10 years: the growing up in Singapore towards healthy outcomes (GUSTO) study,” was published in the BMC Public Health journal.
The research, part of the larger GUSTO study, aimed to investigate the factors influencing the lifestyle choices of children in Singapore. The study identified three distinct lifestyle patterns among the children: a healthy lifestyle group, a fast food group, and a physical activity group. The healthy lifestyle group was characterized by a higher intake of fruits and vegetables, a lower intake of fast food, and higher physical activity levels, while the fast food group had a higher consumption of fast food and sugary drinks. The physical activity group had higher levels of physical activity but also consumed more sugary drinks.
Several factors were found to be associated with these lifestyle patterns. Children from higher-income families were more likely to be in the healthy lifestyle group, while those from lower-income families were more likely to be in the fast food group. Family structure, parental education level, and the child’s body mass index were also found to be correlated with the different lifestyle patterns.
The findings from this study can provide valuable insights for policymakers and health professionals in Singapore. By understanding the correlates of different lifestyle patterns among children, targeted interventions can be developed to promote healthier habits and prevent the development of chronic diseases later in life. The researchers hope that their findings will contribute to improving the health and well-being of children in Singapore and beyond.
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