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Qualitative study of the association between psychosocial health and physical activity/sleep quality in toddlers
Chisa Tsuyuki1,2, Koya Suzuki3, Kanako Seo4,5
1Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, 1-1 Hirakagakuendai, Inzai, Chiba, 270-1695, Japan. tsuyuki.chisa@juntendo.ac.jp.
Insights
Physical activity and sleep quality significantly impact young children's psychosocial health. Early interventions focusing on these factors can promote better mental well-being in children under three years old.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Pediatric Health
- Psychosocial Well-being
Background:
- Physical activity and sleep are crucial for children's health, with potential long-term effects.
- Limited research exists on the qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep in children under three years old.
- Understanding these factors early is vital for lifelong health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between qualitative aspects of physical activity, sleep, and psychosocial health in preschool children.
- To analyze the direct and indirect effects of physical activity and sleep on psychosocial health in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study involving 2985 children aged 3 years (mean age 37.2 months) in Shanghai, China.
- Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between variables.
- Psychosocial health was assessed using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Current physical activity directly and moderately impacted current psychosocial health.
- Past physical activity indirectly influenced current psychosocial health through current physical activity, particularly in girls.
- Past sleep quality had a direct and indirect impact on current psychosocial health, irrespective of sex.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep quality are significant predictors of current and future psychosocial health in children.
- Interventions should consider both physical activity and sleep quality for optimal child development, even in children under three years old.
- Early attention to physical activity and sleep can foster positive psychosocial development from a very young age.
Abstract:
Physical activity and sleep are important factors of mental and physical health in children, with some reports indicating that their effects can persist into adulthood. However, there is limited research on the qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep in preschool children, particularly in those aged < 3 years. Therefore, to elucidate the association between psychosocial health and physical activity/sleep in early childhood in terms of qualitative aspects, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in 2985 3-year-old children (37.2 ± 0.75 months) in Shanghai, China. An analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that current physical activity had a direct and moderate impact on current psychosocial health evaluated using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. In particular, past physical activity had an indirect and mild effect on current psychosocial health via current physical activity in girls. However, regardless of sex, past sleep quality had slight impact on current psychosocial health, not only indirectly via current sleep quality, but also directly. These findings highlight the importance of considering the qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep quality as significant factors influencing the current and future psychosocial health of children, even at a very early age (< 3 years).
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