Low‐Income Preschool Children's Free Sugar Consumption and Its Association With the Home Environment

Background High consumption of sugary foods and beverages by young children has negative health effects; however, few studies have examined multiple domains of the home environment simultaneously or included sugars from 100% fruit juice. This study hypothesized that less favorable socio‐cultural, built, and economic home environments would be associated with higher free sugar intake among low‐income preschool children. Methods Caregivers ( n = 170) of 3–5‐year‐old children enrolled in Head Start programs completed questionnaires assessing food and drink intake, home environment, and food parenting practices. Statistical analyses included bivariate and multivariable linear regression with sensitivity analyses. Results Children consumed an average of 4.05 (SD = 3.12) sugary foods/drinks per day, while caregivers consumed 3.78 (SD = 3.49); intake was strongly correlated ( r = 0.67, p < 0.001). In bivariate analyses, higher child intake was associated with parental intake, permissive food parenting practices, number of caregivers, home availability, and lowest household income. In the adjusted regression model, parental intake ( β = 0.333, p < 0.001), allowing sugary foods on a “bad day” ( β = 0.397, p = 0.030), and home availability ( β = 1.872, p < 0.001) remained significant predictors. Conclusions Children and caregivers exceeded national and global recommendations for free sugar intake. Findings highlight the importance of multilevel interventions addressing caregiver intake, permissive parenting practices, home availability, and socioeconomic barriers.