Introduction: Goals for Healthy People 2010 include reducing the prevalence of overweight/ obesity in adolescents to < 5% and for 50% or more of adolescents to meet most of the dietary guidelines, such as consuming at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. CalTEENS, funded by The California Endowment and USDA, is the only dietary survey conducted in California with youth age 12-17 to examine the progress toward these goals. The report includes self-reported consumption of fruits and vegetables, milk products, meat, beans, high-fat foods, fiber-rich foods, as well as physical activity, weight control, tobacco-related behavior, and attitudinal variables. Methods: In early 1998, 1,213 randomly selected adolescents were interviewed, using a computer-assisted telephone technique. This yielded a high response rate (85 percent). Results: Only 2 percent of adolescents met all of the dietary recommendations of the California Daily Food Guide. The mean healthy practices eating score was a 3.1 out of 7; 29 percent exercised vigorously for one or more hours; and 31 percent were at-risk or overweight. Theoretical constructs, such as bonding and belonging and self-efficacy, positively influenced health behaviors. Teens who had healthier food habits reported performing significantly better in school. In addition, the results demonstrate the problematic disparity among specific populations, such as Latino adolescents, African American adolescents, adolescents who smoke, and adolescents that are at risk or overweight. This disparity continues into adulthood. Conclusions: Continued research, programming, and policy on national, state, and local levels are vital to the health and well being of adolescents.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1) Recognize the methodology used to collect data for adolescents and its benefits 2) Identify the dietary and physical activity beliefs and practices of adolescents key to chronic disease prevention 3) Identify techniques through policy and programming to improve health behaviors of adolescents
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Department of Health Services, Cancer Prevention and Nutrition Section; Public Health Institute
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.