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Abstract #155795

Heather Brumberg, MD, MPH, FAAP¹, Bonnie Reyna², Cheryl Hunter-Grant, LMSW², Veleka Allen, MPH, CHES³, and Dorothy Faulkner, PhD³. (1) Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network, Westchester Medical Center at NY Medical College, Division of Neonatology, 95 Grasslands Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595, (2) Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network, Regional Neonatal Center, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital @ WMC, 95 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla, NY 10595, 9144936435, Hunter-GrantC@LHVPN.net, (3) Epidemiology and Biostatistics, New York Medical College School of Public Health, 95 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla, NY 10595

Background: Obesity continues to rise in youth and is associated with increased morbidities. Although studies have focused on parental knowledge and attitudes of obesity, little is known regarding youth understanding of unhealthy lifestyle choices and resultant outcomes. Objective: To determine factors affecting youth knowledge regarding unhealthy lifestyle choices and obesity in 2 zip codes. Design/Methods: Surveys were collected (6/06-10/06) from 437 youth (mean + SD=15.5+2.2 yrs) in Mt. Vernon and Peekskill, NY. Chi square analysis was used. Results: Females (F) more than males (M) overestimated the prevalence of overweight among youth (63% vs. 37%, p=0.015). However, females better understood the role genetics play in overweight (67%F vs. 33%M, p=0.014) and diabetes (64%F vs. 36%M, p=0.005). Of those who did not realize the connection between overweight and diabetes, 87% were Black vs. 13% Non-Black (p=0.047). Poorer nutritional behaviors were associated with incorrect knowledge about the prevalence of overweight (p=0.001) and the link between TV-watching and overweight risk (p= 0.002). Surprisingly, correct knowledge about the link between TV-watching and overweight risk was higher among frequent TV-watchers (p=0.045), but lower among frequent video game players (p=0.009). Higher parental education was positively associated with correct knowledge about: TV-watching and overweight risk (p=0.013), the role genetics play in diabetes (p= 0.002) and the link between maternal diabetes and neonatal outcome (p=0.043). Conclusions: Youth knowledge regarding obesity and resultant outcomes are significantly affected by demographic and behavioral factors. This research will be used to develop targeted public health initiatives in these two communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the associations between youth knowledge and unhealthy lifestyle choices and obesity.
• Determine if differences exist in youth knowledge of unhealthy lifestye choices and resultant outcomes by demographic factors.

Keywords: Youth, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.