SURC 2025 Student Presentations
SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference Student Presentations

Exploring the Relationships Between Food Insecurity, Sleep Quality, and Weight Status in Preschool Aged Children

Authors: Kayleigh Hogan, Stephanie Anzman-Frasca, Sara Tauriello

SUNY Campus: SUNY Buffalo

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 38

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: Children with overweight or obesity have increased risk of subsequent obesity and associated comorbidities. Prior research has shown food insecurity and shorter sleep duration are linked to weight gain in childhood; few studies have incorporated sleep quality. The current study examined relationships between household food insecurity, child sleep quality, and weight status among preschool-aged children. Participants included parents of children aged 3-5 years (n=44 children; 52.3% female; 61.4% white; 45.5% living with low income (i.e., ≤ 200% federal poverty level)) recruited in Western New York in Spring 2023 for a study on preschoolers’ vegetable acceptance. The present analysis examined data from a follow-up survey administered in Summer 2024. Parents reported on household food security (2-item Food Insecurity Screen) and their child’s sleep quality (Children’s Sleep-Wake Scale) and height/weight. Children’s body mass index (BMI) z-scores were calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s growth charts. Unadjusted general linear regression models analyzed relationships between 1) food insecurity and sleep quality, 2) food insecurity and BMI z-scores, and 3) sleep quality and BMI z-scores. Children from food insecure families experienced significantly poorer sleep quality (p=0.03). Having food insecurity and poorer sleep quality were linked with higher BMI z-scores. The latter two relationships were in the expected direction but not statistically significant. Models adjusted for sociodemographics will also be presented. Continued focus in this area could inform preventive obesity interventions for preschoolers, potentially through reduction of food insecurity and enhancement of sleep quality.