Understanding the underlying drivers of obesity-risk behaviours is needed to inform prevention initiatives. People, including children, of lower socioeconomic position groups are more likley to be overweight and obese, and understanding of the drivers of such socio-economic differences in weight status are of special importance. It is very likely that factors in the home and local neighbourhood environments are of importance. However little research has examined such possible determinants among children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. A study conducted in Victoria, Australia, on this topic was recently published by Prof. David Crawford from the Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition of Deakin University. The study examined home, social and neighbourhood correlates of body mass index in children living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Data were collected from 491 women with children aged 5-12 years living in forty urban and forty rural socioeconomically disadvantaged areas (suburbs) of Victoria. Mothers completed questionnaires about the home environment, social norms and neighbourhood environment in relation to physical activity, healthy eating and sedentary behaviour. Children's height and weight were measured at school or home. The results showed that children who had a television in their bedroom and whose mothers made greater use of food as a reward for good behaviour had higher body mass index. Increasing efficacy among mothers to promote physical activity, limiting use of food as a reward and not placing TV in children's bedrooms may be important targets for future obesity prevention initiatives in disadvantaged communities.
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