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

Abstract #61833

Lynn L. DeBar, PhD, MPH, Cheryl Ritenbaugh, PhD, MPH, Nancy H. Vuckovic, PhD, Victor J. Stevens, PhD, Pat Elmer, PhD, and Amanda Petrik, BS. Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, 3800 North Interstate Avenue, Portland, OR 97227, (503)335-6796, lynn.debar@kpchr.org

The YOUTH study aims to increase bone mineral density among adolescent women (14-16 years of age) through encouraging bone-building physical activity and improved diet. We focus here on the intervention effect on the physical activity targets during the first year of the intervention. The exercise goals were to participate in at least 60 minutes of high impact physical activity and 20 minutes of strength training per week. Participants were recruited among members of a large HMO in the Pacific Northwest. Eligible teens (N=228) were randomized into the lifestyle intervention or a general health education group. The intervention included an overnight retreat, team meetings, telephone coaching calls, and a group-oriented website. Exercise was monitored by self-report (72-hour recalls) and physiological strength measures. Analyses at one year suggest no differences among the intervention and control group participants on reported levels of exercise or physiological strength measures. Secondary analyses examined the effects of baseline factors on meeting exercise targets. We found that girls who were less influenced by media images of appearance (OR 0.90, CI 0.84 – 0.98) and more diet-focused (EAT Dieting Subscale OR 1.12, CI 1.03 – 1.21) were more likely to meet the goals for high impact physical activity. Girls with high self-efficacy with regards to healthy exercise and eating (Health HOPE OR 1.09, CI 1.01 – 1.18), who were less influenced by media images of appearance (OR 0.92, CI 0.86 – 0.99), and who had families more focused on weight and diet issues were more likely to meet the goals for strength training.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the public health importance of osteoporosis prevention efforts focused on adolescent girls and the potential efficacy of an exercise intervention in reducing osteoporosis risk in teen girls.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Intervention

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.