Daniela Rodrigues

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Verified

Daniela verified their affiliation via an institutional email.

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• PhD
• Postdoc Researcher at University of Coimbra

Background/Objectives: Previous research has indicated that gender differences exist in the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic (SE) deprivation and childhood excessive body weight. However, none of these studies were conducted in a metropolitan area of southern Europe. This study aims to investigate whether the association between neig...

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the most frequently used cut-points (CoPs) on quantificationof active children, as well as to analyse children physical activity (PA) quantification using vertical axis and vectormagnitude (VM).The sample comprised 303 children (160 girls) aged 6 years–10 years. Height, weight and BMI were assess...

Background/Objectives: Research considering objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) and health outcomes among urban children has produced equivocal findings. Therefore, this study was designed (i) to compare MVPA and SB of urban and non-urban children and (ii) to analyze associations between t...

Objectives This study aimed to (i) compare children's lifestyle by urbanization level and (ii) examine the association between children's body mass index (BMI) and the risk of having unhealthy sleep (American Academy of Pediatrics). Methods Eight thousand one hundred fifty‐nine children (4124 females) aged 6–9 years were observed and classified as...

Background/Objectives: The associations between low birth weight (LBW) and the aggregation of metabolic risk factors (MRF) in youth remain ambiguous. Thus, this study analysed the interrelationship among MRF, LBW, and behavioural factors in adolescents. Methods: The sample of the present cross-sectional study comprised 491 youth (229 males, 262 fem...

Background/Objectives: The literature on consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) using the NOVA classification is still limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to compare the UPF consumption, sedentary behaviors, and well-being perception between boys and girls; and (ii) to investigate the association between the UPF con...

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the most frequently used accelerometer CoPs on the quantification of active preschoolers by weekday; and to analyze children’s physical activity (PA) quantification using a vertical axis and vector magnitude (VM). Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 134 children (70 males) aged 3...

More studies should adopt a combined approach to modifiable lifestyle behaviors because of their potential synergistic effects on health. This study aims to observe how boys and girls allocate their time on different activities, during week and weekend days, investigate the time inter-relations between different leisure activities, and analyze how...

Objectives To investigate the association among sun exposure time, vitamin D intake, dietary patterns, and socioeconomic status in Portuguese children. Methods Participants aged 3–11 years (50.1% females) were recruited from public and private schools ( n = 118) in the districts of Coimbra ( n = 2980), Lisbon ( n = 3066), and Porto ( n = 2426). Pa...

Background A clearer understanding of the relationships between specific sport context with overall physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) may contribute to the development of more accurate preventive strategies to increase children’s engagement in PA. Purpose This study aimed to examine how different organized sports contributed to childr...

Summary Background Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. We estimated the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or thinness and obesity, and their changes, from 1990 to 2022 for adults and school-aged children and adolescents in 200 countries and territories. Methods We used data...

COVID-19 might have come and gone but the effects, which are likely to linger for at least a decade, are still here with us. Life must continue which was why most countries looked for post-pandemic recovery strategies. Many countries, especially those which were severely affected, called for high power workshops, seminars and conferences involving...

The present study aimed to evaluate the association of rapid weight gain (RWG) in early years with subsequent measures of adiposity in Portuguese children. We used data from a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 5359 Portuguese children aged 3 to 5 years in 2009-10. Measures of adiposity indices included age-specific body mass index...

Objectives The proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 1 gene ( PCSK1 ) is implicated in hypothalamic appetite control. Several studies have addressed the relationship between PCSK1 polymorphisms and obesity, although conflicting results were observed. We tested the potential association of four PCSK1 variants with the risk of overweight/obesit...

The present study examines whether the association of the neighborhood environment and overweight in children is moderated by age. This was a cross-sectional study of 832 children aged 3 to 10 years living in the city of Oporto (Portugal). Children were recruited under the scope of the project “Inequalities in Childhood Obesity: The impact of the s...

Purpose There is a worldwide agreement that children should participate in at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily to achieve substantial health benefits. Furthermore, using triaxial-accelerometers has become more accurate practice in the study of childhood obesity. The present study aimed: i) to compare PA intensity...

Introduction: Parental perceptions of a child's weight status may influence family readiness to foster healthy behaviors. Our aim was to observe parental perceptions of their child's weight status in two time periods and in multiple population subgroups. Methods: Data were collected in two national projects, 2009 - 2010 (n = 6577) and 2016 - 201...

The association of the rs4420638 polymorphism, near the APOC1 gene, was examined with the risk of obesity among Portuguese children. A sample of 446 Portuguese individuals (231 boys and 215 girls) of European descent, aged 3.2 to 13.7 years old (mean age: 7.98 years), were selected to conduct a case-control study. Body mass index (BMI), BMI Z-score...

Objectives: Sun exposure seems to have an indirect effect on the development of obesity through vitamin D synthesis in the skin, the primary source of this vitamin. The present study aimed to investigate associations among sun exposure time, obesity indicators, and lifestyle habits in children. Methods: A total of 4755 children (3-10 years; 49.8...

Objectives: We investigate associations between children exposure to stressful events, considering: (1) the period in which the event took place, (2) the type of event, and (3) the cumulative effect of the events on children's weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Methods: A total of 8429 Portuguese children (3349 exposed to at least one str...

Background and aims: Objective assessment of physical activity (PA) using accelerometers and pedometers has become more accurate and common practice in the study of childhood overweight. The study aimed: i) to compare PA levels and body shape of boys and girls, and assess compliance of active children with the PA recommendation; ii) to analyse ass...

Optimal growth and development in childhood and adolescence is crucial for lifelong health and well-being1–6 . Here we used data from 2,325 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight from 71 million participants, to report the height and body-mass index (BMI) of children and adolescents aged 5–19 years on the basis of rural an...

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the relationship between body size, form, and composition, and children's lifestyle on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 1333 children (9.05 ± 0.75 years; 683 females) living in mainland Portugal. Objective anthropometric measures were collected. Parents...

Objectives: Our objective was to examine the relationship between the 2008 and 2015 economic crisis and children's physical activity (PA) outcomes, eating behaviors and obesity prevalence, while considering sex inequalities and familial socioeconomic status. Method: This is a cross-sectional study, including data collected in 2016/2017 among 513...

How can we define childhood? Is it a time period, a stage of development, or a set of behaviors? Essentially, it is a state that should be perceived within a biosocial context. However, most anthropological studies have failed in this multidisciplinary approach. The earliest years of life profoundly impact many dimensions of adulthood, and the biol...

This study investigated the household food insecurity (HFI) among Portuguese children following the last world financial crisis. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 4737 Portuguese children (3–11 yrs). Socio-demographics, food insecurity, and household geographic location were assessed via questionnaire. Nutritional status was measured. Follow...

Objective: Sedentary behaviours, even at an early age, are associated with potential health risks such as obesity, some cardio metabolic risk factors, poorer mental health, and lower levels physical fitness. The aim of this study was twofold: i) to compare objectively measured sedentary time and physical activity (PA) levels in its different inten...

Objectives: Further evidence on how the Great Recession was associated with childhood obesity is needed, particularly when the world is facing a new and severe economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores: (1) the direct association of the 2008's economic crisis with eating patterns and body mass index (BMI), among childr...

Objectives The present study aimed to analyze the association between healthy sleep duration of children and the parental perception of the social/built environment. Methods A cross-sectional study was done and a sample of 8273 children (4183 females) aged 6–9 years was observed. Height (cm) and weight (Kg) were measured, and the body mass index (...

Objectives Physical activity (PA) is required for healthy growth, development, and maturation and plays an important role in the prevention of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. Sex-differences in PA levels are well documented, with boys spending more time in PA, especially in moderate-to-vigorous activities. Following the Life Hi...

Background The literature has shown a widespread use of portable electronic devices among children over the last years. This study aimed to identify the availability of different media devices at home versus in children’s bedroom according to the socioeconomic status (SES), and analyze the association between that availability and children’s screen...

From 1985 to 2016, the prevalence of underweight decreased, and that of obesity and severe obesity increased, in most regions, with significant variation in the magnitude of these changes across regions. We investigated how much change in mean body mass index (BMI) explains changes in the prevalence of underweight, obesity, and severe obesity in di...

From 1985 to 2016, the prevalence of underweight decreased, and that of obesity and severe obesity increased, in most regions, with significant variation in the magnitude of these changes across regions. We investigated how much change in mean body mass index (BMI) explains changes in the prevalence of underweight, obesity, and severe obesity in di...

Objectives We evaluated, for the first time in Portugal, the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to parental education in a population of preschool‐aged Portuguese children in 2009/2010 and 2016/2017. Methods Anthropometric data were collected in public and private preschools (n = 1996 in 2009/2010; n = 2077 in 2016/2017). Body mass ind...

Background Few studies have examined how access to mobile media is disrupting more traditional forms of media use. Aim To examine screen-time in 2009/10 and 2016/17 among children aged 3 to 6 years and assess potential socio-economic determinants of adherence to screen-time recommendations. Subjects and methods Two independent cross-sectional stu...

Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to explore how parental perceptions of the social and physical environment of the neighborhood was associated with 3- to 10-year-old children's use of traditional and modern screen devices. Methods: Participants were recruited under the scope of the project ObesInCrisis, conducted in 2016-2017 in the...

Aim To observe the trends of overweight and obesity among Portuguese children from 2002 to 2016, before and during the years of the economic crisis, and compare these trends according to family’s socioeconomic position (SEP). Methods Prevalence rates were calculated using data from six studies providing comparable estimates from 2002, 2009, 2011,...

Background Comparable global data on health and nutrition of school-aged children and adolescents are scarce. We aimed to estimate age trajectories and time trends in mean height and mean body-mass index (BMI), which measures weight gain beyond what is expected from height gain, for school-aged children and adolescents. Methods For this pooled ana...

Background: Children are often exposed to too much screen time but few studies have explored the use of old and new digital media among young children. This study assesses screen time, including traditional and mobile devices, in pre-school and elementary school-aged children, according to their gender, age, and socioeconomic position (SEP). Meth...

Objectives: The environment is believed to be key in obesity prevention, yet it is unclear how factors in the neighborhood influence weight-related behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of parental perceived environment on physical activity (PA), television (TV) time, active play and Body Mass Index (BMI) z score, and the...

Objectives: Obesity is a major public health concern worldwide. This study aims to investigate the accuracy of parental perception of child's weight and related factors as well as how underestimation is associated with the prevalence of childhood obesity. Methods: Data from 793 parents and respective children (6-10 years) were collected during t...

Background: Identifying parental perceived barriers might contribute to strategies to promote physical activity in children. This study aimed to observe parental perceived barriers for 6- to 10-year-old children's participation in organized sports and understand to what extent the socioeconomic status, the place of residence, and children's sex, ag...

Body-mass index (BMI) has increased steadily in most countries in parallel with a rise in the proportion of the population who live in cities1,2. This has led to a widely reported view that urbanization is one of the most important drivers of the global rise in obesity3–6. Here we use 2,009 population-based studies, with measurements of height and...

Cover photo: Young people enjoying the sport of kayaking on the Mondego River (Coimbra, Portugal), photo by Daniela Rodrigues, see article pages e23142 (AJHB 30(6)).

Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of child and family characteristics and behaviors, and to determine the association of those patterns with child participation in sports. Methods A questionnaire and anthropometric measures were used to collect data on 834 parents and their 6‐ to 10‐year‐old children. A principal compon...

Walking or bicycling to school is an important source of physical activity and may help prevent childhood obesity. However, active commuting has been declining in recent decades. The purposes of this study were to explore travel characteristics in children and examine factors associated with active commuting in children living in urban and non-urba...

Ciência´18 foi mais uma edição do encontro anual dos investigadores portugueses. Destina-se a promover o debate alargado dos principais temas e desafios da agenda científica para além do universo da investigação. Esta palestra integrou-se no painel Saúde de Qualidade - Obesidade.

Introduction: Central adiposity in children has increased to a higher degree than general adiposity however it is not a routine measurement in clinical practice. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and abdominal fat distribution and observe the prevalence of abdominal obesity among non-obese 6-10-year-old children. Materia...

Association of social, cultural and environmental factors with participation in extracurricular sport and obesity indicators in 6-10-year-old children living in urban and non-urban settings

Underweight, overweight, and obesity in childhood and adolescence are associated with adverse health consequences throughout the life-course. Our aim was to estimate worldwide trends in mean body-mass index (BMI) and a comprehensive set of BMI categories that cover underweight to obesity in children and adolescents, and to compare trends with those...

BACKGROUND:Underweight, overweight, and obesity in childhood and adolescence are associated with adverse health consequences throughout the life-course. Our aim was to estimate worldwide trends in mean body-mass index (BMI) and a comprehensive set of BMI categories that cover underweight to obesity in children and adolescents, and to compare trends...

Purpose Faced with the high number of children who do not meet the physical activity guidelines, the identification of possible associated factors is essential. This study aims to identify what motivates and constraints children to engage in physical activities, and to observe how gender and urbanization may predict the perception of those barriers...

This study investigated whether parental participation in organized and unorganized physical activity (PA) was associated with children’s participation in extracurricular sport. The sample comprised 834 parents and their children (aged 6–10 years), living in central Portugal. Questionnaires assessed parental PA (organized and unorganized) and extra...

The aim of this study was to observe if children participation in extracurricular sports was predicted by how much the father, the mother and the own child enjoyed participating in PA and sport.

This study aimed to determine if proximity to recreational facilities was associated with the risk of children having one or more obesity indicators.

Background Underweight, overweight, and obesity in childhood and adolescence are associated with adverse health consequences throughout the life-course. Our aim was to estimate worldwide trends in mean body-mass index (BMI) and a comprehensive set of BMI categories that cover underweight to obesity in children and adolescents, and to compare tr...

Physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous positive health outcomes however, few children worldwide, including in Portugal engage in sufficient levels of physical activity per day. Girls, compared to boys, have a reduce probability of meeting daily recommended PA levels. In addition to individual characteristics, environmental factors are a...

Majority of children are far from achieving the recommended levels of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day, inclusive in Portugal, and particularly in rural settings compared with their urban peers. In addition, girls are at greatest risk of falling PA recommendations according to numerous studies. Identifying factors...

The aim of this study was the assessment of the association between children’s extracurricular sport and sedentary behaviours with the obesity status of Portuguese schoolchildren, in semi-urban and urban areas.

Adherence to a healthier diet is declining, with children consuming more saturated fats and simple carbohydrates. Factors influencing this choice were studied using a cross-sectional study with children (6 to 8 years old) living in Coimbra. Socioeconomic and behavioral factors were obtained from the parents. Dietary patterns of 1,063 children were...

The amount of time children spend daily in sedentary activities is worrying since evidence suggests that sedentary behaviors are associated with increased health risks. Because habits established in childhood tend to extent into adulthood our main purpose was to describe the leisure-time sedentary behavior and its association with socio-demographic...

Lack of physical activity (PA) is hypothesized to be an important contributing factor in the development and/or maintenance of childhood obesity as well as many other health problems that increase morbidity and mortality risk. Improving physical activity levels is an important public health challenge in times where many young people are not meeting...

Human cooperation has been an evolutionary puzzle since we cooperate, to a large extent, with genetically unrelated individuals in unique and anonymous situations. Previous works have shown differences in cooperation games in different societies but is this propensity universal or variable with culture and other socio-economic factors? In this stud...