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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Xueyuan Wang, MPH and Marinelle Payton, MD, PhD, MS, MPH. Jackson State University, College of Public Service, School of Public Health, Jackson Medical Mall - Thad Cochran Center, 350 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39213, 601-979-1101, marinelle.payton@jsums.edu

The prevalence of childhood obesity continues to increase in the United States, especially in Mississippi -- the fattest state in the nation where 16% of teenagers are overweight (far exceeding the Healthy People 2010 objective to reduce overweight children to 5%). Studies have shown that race, age and gender disparities exist among children with a BMI greater than the 95th percentile. Healthy behaviors associated with weight control are important factors in avoiding diseases. The aims of this study were to determine obesity awareness and behaviors associated with weight control in black and white high school students (the predominant racial groups in Mississippi). The study population consisted of 1,406 female and male students who participated in the 2003 Mississippi Youth Risk Behavior Survey (4.5% described themselves as being very overweight). The Chi-square test was utilized to test statistical significance (p < 0.05). Even though there was no significant difference on self-perception of body weight (p= 1.0), a higher percentage of white students tried to lose weight (p < 0.025); control weight by eating less food, fewer calories, or low fat food (p < 0.001); or exercise (p < 0.001) in comparison to black students. Also white females were more likely to control their weight by exercise and diet medication (p < 0.001); and vomiting or taking laxatives (p < 0.2). This study demonstrates the need for effective health promotion and education public health programs to guide students toward selecting healthy behaviors associated with weight control.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how public health and human rights impact overweight trends in children.
• Identify healthy versus unhealthy behaviors in children to improve their participation in weight control.
• Gain knowledge on racial and gender perceptions on weight control among high school students in Mississippi.

Keywords: Children's Health, Weight Management

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered