The latest report from the Growing Up in Scotland longitudinal research,which is following the lives of 5,000 babies and 3,000 toddlersthroughout childhood, explores issues related to food and activity inyoung children.
Louise Marryat, researcher at the Scottish Centre for Social Research,said, 'The report highlights the key differences between socio-economicgroups even at such an early age.'
Researchers looked at eating habits, participation in physical activity,relationship between diet and activity in children under five, andpossible reasons behind discrepancies.
They found that 27 per cent of children under five whose mothers hadhigher grades (Scottish school leaving and university entryqualification) ate four or more types of fruit per day, compared with 12per cent of children whose mothers had no qualifications.
Twice as many children from deprived areas and on low incomes had eatena fast-food meal in the past week, compared with only 20 per cent ofchildren in the least deprived areas.
The report also found a considerable socio-economic divide betweenhighly active and inactive children, with 29 per cent of children withlow activity levels living in the most deprived areas, in contrast to 14per cent who live in the least deprived areas.
Researchers asked families about their access to a car, and found that aquarter of children in the lowest activity group had no access to acar.
The report said, 'It was interesting to note that, at a time where thereis a general concern about children being driven everywhere rather thanwalking, having continuous access to a car was related to increasedactivity levels.'
The researchers suggested that the most important factor in thesocio-economic gap is the influence of both parents and their belief inthe importance of exercise, and criticised healthy eating campaigns andschool initiatives for failing to target the most at-risk groups.
Children's minister Adam Ingram said, 'We will continue to drive forwardthis early intervention agenda to help parents and families by targetingsupport at the early years, a golden moment in opportunity when actionhas the biggest influence on chances throughout a person's life.'
FURTHER INFORMATION
To view the report, GUS Sweep 3, visitwww.growingupinscotland.org.uk
