Carolyn A. Corder, MS, RD, Department of Health Promotion and 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 attitudes toward body weight, dieting behaviors, and frequency of protective food intake and exercise among Asian American (AA) youth as related to body mass index, 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 198 middle and 231 high school students in the City of San Bernardino, California, aged 10 to 18 years, who self-identified as AA. Results: Chi square analysis suggests that AA students mean BMI ranks the lowest of six ethnic/racial groups studied. A larger proportion of AA describe themselves as underweight, but they are the least likely to be trying to change weight. AA high school students showed significant differences in dieting and exercise behavior and frequency of eating protective foods (high school) as compared to other racial/ethnic groups, such as, eating fruit, green salad, and vegetables more often, and less likely to exercise every day of the week. Univariate analyses suggest that AA youth attitudes toward body weight interact with beliefs about their longevity and hopefulness for the future. Conclusions: Educational interventions for AA youth should affirm their healthy behaviors of eating fruits and vegetables. Advising weight change may not be appropriate for most AA youth since many tend to be thin and attitudes toward body weight are linked to hopefulness. Daily exercise needs to be promoted.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Describe two 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. Identify three ethnic differences in youth attitudes toward body weight.
• 4. Describe how health education interventions should differ for Asian 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.