Adherence to parent reported Singapore integrated 24-hour activity for preschoolers (3 to 6.9 years old) and their well-being

• Main Author: Koh, Sophia Xue Fei
• Other Authors: -
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2022
• Subjects: Science::General
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/162638
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study aimed to determine proportion of preschool children in adhering to the Singapore 24-hr Integrated 24-hour Activity Guidelines using the Singaporean Lifestyle Questionnaire for Toddlers and Pre-schoolers (SLQ) and the relationship between adherence to the Singapore 24-hr Integrated 24-hour Activity Guidelines and wellbeing using the Strength and Difficulties (SDQ) questionnaire. A total of 172 parent participants were involved in this study to complete an anonymous online survey package regarding physical activity, sleep and screen time behaviours of their child, as well as parental perceptions and awareness of the guidelines. Guidelines included: a) having at least 180mins of physical activity, b) receiving 10-13 hours of sleep for 3–5-year-olds and 9-11 hours for 6-year-olds, and c) no more than 60mins of screen time, all within a 24-hour period. SDQ was used to measure the overall well-being of the child based on the number of guidelines met. According to parents’ proxy-reported survey. 12.7% children met all three guidelines, 48.7% met two guidelines, 33.5% met one guideline and 5.1% met none of the guidelines. Results showed a negative correlation (-.183) between SDQ scores and number of guidelines met (p = .027). There is also generally a lack of awareness in existing lifestyle behaviour guidelines among parents as well. Greater dissemination of the guidelines and the benefits of adhering to the guidelines should be encouraged through educating parents and caregivers. Keywords: Preschool children, Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood, Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)