The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60089

Helen Margellos, MPH¹, Ami M. Shah, MPH¹, Cynthia L. Williams, MS², and Steven Whitman, PhD¹. (1) Sinai Health System, Sinai Urban Health Institute, California at 15th Street, K439, Chicago, IL 60608, 773-257-5259, marhe@sinai.org, (2) Sinai Health System, Sinai Community Institute, 2653 W. Ogden, Chicago, IL 60608

Obesity (BMI³30) has been designated as one of the Nation’s leading health indicators for Healthy People 2010. Risk relationships have been established between obesity and over 30 different morbidities and decreased life expectancy. National surveys indicate the prevalence of obesity is higher for non-Hispanic Black (30%) and Hispanic adults (28%) than for non-Hispanic White adults (21%). Since local, culturally sensitive interventions are most effective, estimates of obesity and its determinants for smaller geographic areas and groups of people are critical.

A comprehensive health survey was implemented in six racially/ethnically diverse community areas in Chicago. One goal was to determine the extent to which obesity is associated with different health conditions, health behaviors, and quality of life. Data were collected about adults (18-75yrs) and children (<12yrs) from 1700 randomly selected households through face-to-face interviews.

Preliminary estimates of obesity in these communities reveal 43% of adults in predominantly non-Hispanic Black communities are obese, compared to 32% in Mexican and 23% in non-Hispanic White communities. These community level prevalence rates are much higher than comparable national estimates for NHB people suggesting a greater need for examination of disparities at the local level.

Our presentation will examine the demographic and SES correlates of these rates. We will explore other social and environmental determinants of obesity, including diet and eating habits, exercise, self-perceptions of weight, activity limitations and quality of life. Finally, the implications of these findings for reducing racial/ethnic disparities in health by the year 2010 will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

Participants in this session will be able to:
• Recognize the need for community level data when examining disparities in obesity;
• Identify the risk factors and social determinants associated with obesity for different racial/ethnic communities; and
• Understand the importance of applying the social and environmental context of health in developing innovative interventions and improved policies for minority communities.

Keywords: Obesity, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.