Centre-based childcare in early childhood and growth in later childhood: a prospective cohort study
Main finding · zBMI with full-time (40 h/week) centre-based childcareResult — go to the resultDifference in zBMI 0.11 95% CI −0.19 to −0.03Authors' conclusion
Attending centre-based childcare in early childhood was associated with a lower zBMI and odds of overweight and obesity in later childhood. These associations were stronger for children from lower income families. Centre-based childcare may be an early intervention for the prevention of childhood obesity.
Study context
- Population
- Children aged 1 to 10 years in the TARGet Kids! cohort
- Participants
- 3,503 children
- Exposure
- Centre-based childcare attendance (hours/week) vs non-centre-based childcare at 1–4 years
- Outcome
- BMI z-score (zBMI) in later childhood
- Follow-up
- Between 4 and 10 years of age
Methodological detailslinear mixed-effect modelling, generalised estimating equation modelling, adjusted for confounders
- Linear mixed-effect modelling
- Generalised estimating equation modelling
- Adjusted for confounders
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
zBMI with full-time (40 h/week) centre-based childcare · 4 and 7 years of age
Difference in zBMI
0.11
95% CI −0.19 to −0.03
P = 0.01
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | OR (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight and obesity, full-time centre-based childcare · 4 years | 0.78 (0.62–0.97) | P = 0.03 | |
| Overweight and obesity, family income < $50,000CDN, full-time centre-based childcare · 10 years of age | 0.52 (0.28–0.99) | P = 0.05 | |
| 0.20.5125Odds ratio (log scale) |
| Outcome | Difference in zBMI (95% CI) | P value |
|---|---|---|
| zBMI, family income < $50,000CDN, full-time centre-based childcare · 10 years of ageLower zBMI with full-time centre-based childcare | 0.32 (−0.50 to −0.14) | P = 0.001 |
Original publication
Centre-based childcare in early childhood and growth in later childhood: a prospective cohort study. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 27 April 2023. doi:10.
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