Geographic health disparities among children in their final year of preschool, France, 2005–2006

Objectives - This study aims to describe geographic disparities in the health of children enrolled in the final year of preschool and to examine the link between children’s health status and their lifestyles. Methods - The data analyzed come from a health survey conducted among more than 23,000 children enrolled in kindergarten in the 2005–2006 school year. Results - The school districts where overweight and obesity, as well as dental problems, are most prevalent are also those where children consume sugary drinks every day or spend a lot of time watching television or playing video games. Health disparities between school districts affect a wide range of issues, from asthma—which is more common in western France—to vision problems. Conclusion - The results of this study highlight the close link between students’ health status and their behaviors, and it is in the school districts where children’s health is best that their lifestyles (diet, physical activity) are also the healthiest. (R.A.)

Author(s): de Saint Pol T

Publishing year: 2011

Pages: 333-8

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2011, n° 31, p. 333-8

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