A multi-level analysis of the association between built environmental factors and childhood overweight in the city of Hannover, Germany

• DOI: 10.21203/rs.2.24257/v1
• Publication Date: 2020-02-21T22:15:02Z
• Authors: Yusheng Zhou; Christoph Buck; Werner Maier; Thomas von Lengerke; Ulla Walter; Maren Dreier
• Keywords: Walkability; Level design

Abstract Introduction In recent years, built environmental characteristics have been linked to childhood overweight, but the results remain inconsistent across studies. The present study examines associations between several features and body weight status (BMI) among a large sample of preschool children in city Hannover, Germany.Methods Walkability (index), green space availability playground related children’s home environments was measured using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data from OpenstreetMap (OSM). These environment were 2010-2014 school entry examinations Hannover (n = 22,678), analysed multi-level linear regression models examine BMI percentiles these (4-8 years old). Several socio-demographic factors included analysis, including migration background, family structure parental educational level. Results No significant on detected, effect modified by with lower compared higher educated parents, spatial greenspace significantly associated reduced weight. Conclusion finding no overall association could be due misclassification presence suboptimal variable reliability. However, effects may also restricted less privileged children, which indicate that might potential reduce health inequalities. Future research should continue monitor disparities diverse how are health.