Tween Sleep Patterns, Appetite Control, and Environment

The aims of this study are to a) describe the prevalence and characteristics of eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) in rural preadolescent children using a novel methodology, ecological momentary assessment (EMA); b) to examine the within-person temporal relationship between daily changes in sleep health (i.e., duration and quality) and EAH; and c) examine associations between family, child, and environmental characteristics, sleep, and eating behaviors in rural preadolescent children. Parent-child dyads will participate in the study via remote data collection methods including Zoom interviews, online surveys, EMA survey completed by smartphone, and actigraphy.

Child Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 8 to 12 years
• Primary residence is in a rural ZIP code in the United States, as defined by Health Resources & Services Administration
• BMI for age ≥ 85th percentile OR BMI ≥ 15th percentile plus at least one biological parent with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2
• Able to read and answer questions in English

Parent Inclusion criteria:

• Parent or caregiver of an eligible child
• Age 18 years or older
• Able to read and answer questions in English

Exclusion criteria

• Any medical condition that significantly impacts eating, sleep, growth, or ability to operate the mEMA smartphone platform (e.g., eating disorder, Type I diabetes, blindness) (Child participants only)
• Unable to connect to a Zoom session via internet or cell-phone data from home
• Unable to receive and sign for package with study supplies