Obesity, dietary behaviors, and level of physical activity among low- income children in Guilford county

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Anna L. Matteson (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Lauren Haldeman

Abstract: Childhood obesity has more than tripled over the past four decades and disproportionately affects low-income and minority populations. The objective of this study was to examine and compare obesity rates and diet and physical activity behaviors of low-income Black and Hispanic children (2-18 y) by age as well as gender within each ethnic group. Secondary data analysis was conducted on parent/self reported diet and physical activity questionnaires for child patients (n=2,722) of a community medical clinic. Questionnaires were specifically designed for toddlers 2-4 years (n=1017), school aged, 5-12 years (n=1287) and adolescents aged 13-18 years (n=418) and were available in Spanish and English. Variables included measured heights and weights , body mass index (BMI) percentile based on CDC growth charts, intake of fast food, salty snacks, sweets, fruits, and vegetables and level of physical activity. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used identify associations among variables. Results showed obesity prevalence differences between Black and Hispanic children in all age groups as well as gender differences within Black children.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2011
Keywords
Children, Dietary Behavior, Low-Income, Obesity, Physical Activity
Subjects
Obesity in children $x Nutritional aspects $z North Carolina
Diet $x Health aspects $z North Carolina
Poor children $x Nutrition $z North Carolina
Exercise for children $x Health aspects $z North Carolina

Email this document to