Lifestyle Behaviours in Pre-Schoolers from Southern Spain—A Structural Equation Model According to Sex and Body Mass Index

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between screen time (ST), sleep time (SLT), physical fitness (PF), Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence, eating behaviours, and body mass index (BMI) in a sample of pre-schoolers from Granada (Spain). In order to address this aim, an explanatory model was developed to examine existing relationships between ST, SLT, PF, MD, pro-intake (PRO-I) and anti-intake (ANT-I) behaviours, and BMI. Further, the proposed structural model was examined via multi-group analysis as a function of sex and BMI. Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted with 653 three- to six-year-old pre-schoolers attending 18 different schools invited to take part in the present study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to analyse relationships between study variables as a function of sex and BMI. Results: SEM analysis revealed negative associations between ST and PF (p < 0.005), ST and MD adherence (p < 0.005), ST and SLT (p < 0.005), MD adherence and ANT-I behaviours (p < 0.005), and MD adherence and BMI (p = 0.033). In contrast, positive associations emerged between SLT and MD adherence (p < 0.005), and PRO-I behaviours and BMI (p < 0.005). SEM revealed differences according to sex and BMI. Conclusions: The study highlights significant relationships between lifestyle behaviours and physical and dietary outcomes in pre-schoolers from southern Spain, with variations based on sex and BMI. These findings suggest the need for interventions aimed at reducing ST and promoting better sleep, PF, and dietary habits in order to limit weight-related and general health risks in pre-schoolers from southern Spain.