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Parent-child interaction, appetite self-regulation, and BMIz in Chinese preschoolers: a mediation analysis

W Xia1, K Xu2, M Wang1

  • 1Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.

Public Health
|July 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Poorer parent-child interaction (PCI) is linked to higher childhood BMIz, with appetite self-regulation (ASR) partially mediating this effect. These findings highlight the importance of PCI quality, particularly for boys with elevated BMIz.

Area of Science:

  • Childhood obesity research
  • Developmental psychology
  • Pediatric health

Background:

  • Parent-child interaction (PCI) significantly influences children's development and health outcomes.
  • Understanding the pathways linking PCI to children's weight status, specifically BMIz, is crucial for effective interventions.
  • Appetite self-regulation (ASR) is increasingly recognized as a key factor in children's eating behaviors and weight management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between parent-child interaction (PCI) quality and children's body-mass index z score (BMIz).
  • To examine the mediating role of appetite self-regulation (ASR) in the relationship between PCI and children's BMIz.
  • To identify potential differences in these associations based on gender and BMIz levels.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 3973 children from kindergartens in Wuhan.
  • Assessment of children's BMIz through height and weight measurements.
  • Evaluation of PCI quality using the Brigance Parent-Child Interactions Scale.
  • Measurement of children's ASR via the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (satiety responsiveness and food responsiveness).
  • Quantile regression and mediation analysis to explore the PCI-BMIz association and the mediating role of ASR.

Main Results:

  • Children with poorer PCI quality exhibited higher BMIz across most percentiles, with significant associations observed across various levels.
  • Appetite self-regulation (ASR) partially mediated the association between PCI and BMIz, indicating its role in this relationship.
  • The mediating effect of ASR was more pronounced among boys, suggesting gender-specific pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Poorer parent-child interaction is associated with elevated BMIz in children, with appetite self-regulation playing a partial mediating role.
  • Interventions focusing on improving PCI quality may be beneficial for managing childhood weight status.
  • Attention to PCI quality is particularly important for boys with higher BMIz levels, considering the observed gender differences.
Abstract

Keywords:
Appetite self-regulationChildrenObesityParent–child interactionQuantile regression

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