Association of Home Environment and Physical Activity among Pre-Schoolers in Malaysia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Home environment is important in supporting children’s physical activity level as young children spend more time at home. The aim of the study was to determine the association of home environment and physical activity levels among pre-schoolers. Methods: A cross-sectional study that involved a total of 107 subjects (male=61, female=46) aged between 4 to 6 years old was conducted. Data on socio-demographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity, height, and weight of the children) were collected. Home Opportunities for Physical Activity Check-Up (HOP-Up) questionnaire was utilised to evaluate the availability of physical activity equipment and the space inside and outside of the homes as well as in the neighbourhoods. Early Years Physical Activity Questionnaire (EY-PAQ) was used to measure the levels of physical activity. Results and Conclusions: Prevalence of overweight and obesity among the pre-
schoolers were 13.1% and 11.2% respectively. The body mass index of the subjects was higher among males compared to females. More than half of the pre-schoolers (56.1%) were reported to have low physical activity level. The variables associated with physical activity levels were ethnicity and attending after school childcare. A significant association was found between body mass index and physical activity level (p = 0.002). Home environment has a significant positive correlation with physical activity level (p = 0.011). Parent-teacher education program is suggested to be implemented for home-based and school-based interventions to improve physical activity and to prevent further complications in child’s life.