Recorded presentation

Carolyn A. Corder, MS, RD, Department of Health Education, Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA 92354, 909-793-4010, DJC7@msn.com, Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH, Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Nicol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, Patti Herring, PhD, RN, School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion and Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Room 1501, Loma Linda, CA 92350, Ella Haddad, DrPH, RD, Department of Nutrition, Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA 92354, and Mark Ghamsary, MS, PhD, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Hill Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92354.

Objectives: This study examined the diversity of attitudes toward body weight, dieting behaviors, and frequency of protective food intake and exercise among youth as related to risky behaviors and attitudes toward family, school, and community. Methods: Data from the 1999 and 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys and 2000 local survey were analyzed for 292 middle and 250 high school students in the City of San Bernardino, California, aged 10 to 18 years who self-identified as Native or Alaskan Americans. Results: Chi square and Kruskal-Wallis tests showed significant differences in dieting and exercise behavior and frequency of eating protective foods (high school) among Native Americans as compared to other racial/ethnic groups, such as, trying to lose weight and exercising to lose weight. Native American middle school children reported skipping PE class more often. High school students reported eating fruit less, but potatoes and other vegetables more often. Frequency of drinking fruit juice appears to interact with some risky behaviors. ANOVA analysis did not detect a difference in mean Body Mass Index for Native American students as compared to the other five racial/ethnic groups. High school boys seem have a thinner criteria for body weight than males of other racial/ethnic groups. Conclusions: Native American youth are conscious of body weight and may be trying harder then others to lose weight. Exercise seems to be the weight loss method of choice. Interventions aimed at modifying diet should affirm healthy behaviors of eating vegetables and drinking milk, and encourage eating more fruit.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the session participants will be able to
• 1. Describe 3 ethnic differences in youth’s perspectives on body weight and dieting and their intakes of protective foods.
• 2. Explain ethnic differences in youth approaches to weight change and patterns of protective food intake.
• 3. Name two weight change methods popular among Native, Alaskan, Hawaiian,
• and Pacific Islander youth.

Keywords: Youth, Culture

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.

Recorded presentation