Abstract
Associations between lifestyle factors and parent-reported health among school-aged children in the Lublin Region, Poland
Department of Tourism and Recreation, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland
Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland
J Health Inequal 2026; 12 (1) 42–51
Introduction
The study aimed to identify associations between lifestyle factors (physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and screen time) and the parent-reported child health (PRCH) of school-aged children in the Lublin Region, Poland. This study provides a regional perspective complementing nationwide HBSC data by analysing behavioural determinants of PRCH within a specific socio-demographic context.
Material and methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,200 children aged 9-12 years in the Lublin Voivodeship, using an original, pilot-validated questionnaire completed by parents. Data were analysed using simple and multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, and place of residence.
Results
Higher levels of physical activity (β = 0.224, p < 0.001) and longer sleep duration (β = 0.222, p < 0.001) were positively associated with better HP-RA, whereas longer screen time (β = –0.212, p < 0.001) and frequent consumption of sweets (β = –0.158, p < 0.001) were negatively associated. The regression model explained 55.4% of the variance in PRCH (R² = 0.554).
Conclusions
The findings suggest that children’s daily routines and dietary habits may shape their subjective health perception. Health promotion programmes should emphasise physical activity, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating.
Keywords
sleep, nutrition, screen time, parent-reported child health, children aged 9-12 years, parents’ reports
Integrated with
