Farah Qureshi ScD , Krista P. Woodward MPH, MSW , Laura D. Kubzansky PhD , Julia K. Boehm PhD
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction
Prosocial behaviors (i.e., being kind, caring, and cooperative) are believed to shape health and well-being starting in childhood. Yet, limited research has examined their long-term impact on health outcomes later in life. This study examined associations between childhood prosocial behaviors and fruit and vegetable consumption patterns across adolescence.
Methods
Participants were from the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study (N=6,265). Caregivers reported children’s prosocial behaviors using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at ages 5 (2005–2007), 7 (2007–2009), and 11 (2011–2013) years. In 2024, Poisson regression was conducted to assess the associations between prosocial behaviors at age 5 years and sustained healthy levels of self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption across ages 14 (2014–2016) and 17 (2017–2019) years, defined as eating ≥2 portions of each daily. To evaluate heterogeneity by developmental stage, secondary analyses considered associations with prosocial behaviors at ages 7 and 11 years. All analyses adjusted for relevant confounders.
Results
More engagement in prosocial behaviors at age 5 years was associated with a greater likelihood of sustaining healthy fruit and vegetable consumption over time (adjusted prevalence ratio per 1 SD=1.14; 95% CI=1.02, 1.27). Comparable associations were observed with prosocial behaviors at ages 7 (adjusted prevalence ratio per 1 SD=1.12; 95% CI=1.03, 1.23) and 11 (adjusted prevalence ratio per 1 SD=1.13; 95% CI=1.03, 1.24) years.
Conclusions
Greater engagement in prosocial behaviors was related to healthy fruit and vegetable consumption patterns across adolescence with comparable associations when prosocial behaviors were measured at ages 5, 7, and 11 years. These findings suggest fostering prosociality throughout childhood may be a novel intervention strategy to promote healthy eating.
期刊介绍:
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine is the official journal of the American College of Preventive Medicine and the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research. It publishes articles in the areas of prevention research, teaching, practice and policy. Original research is published on interventions aimed at the prevention of chronic and acute disease and the promotion of individual and community health.
Of particular emphasis are papers that address the primary and secondary prevention of important clinical, behavioral and public health issues such as injury and violence, infectious disease, women''s health, smoking, sedentary behaviors and physical activity, nutrition, diabetes, obesity, and substance use disorders. Papers also address educational initiatives aimed at improving the ability of health professionals to provide effective clinical prevention and public health services. Papers on health services research pertinent to prevention and public health are also published. The journal also publishes official policy statements from the two co-sponsoring organizations, review articles, media reviews, and editorials. Finally, the journal periodically publishes supplements and special theme issues devoted to areas of current interest to the prevention community.