The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47274

Naveed Ahmad, MD¹, Ximena Urrutia-Rojas, RN, DrPH², Manuel Bayona, MD, PhD³, John A Menchaca, MD⁴, Marco Marruffo, MD, MS³, Carolina A Alvarez, MD, SCP⁵, and Fernando Trevino, PhD, MPH⁶. (1) Biostatistics, University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699, 817-735-2538, nahmad@childmed.dallas.tx.us, (2) Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Univ of N. Texas - School of Public Health at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699, (3) Department of Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699, (4) Cook Children's Network, 709 West Leuda, Fort Worth, TX 76104, (5) Deparment of Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699, (6) Health Management and Policy, University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107

The purpose of the study was to evaluate gender specific factors associated with obesity in 1,066 school age children selected from 17 elementary schools in Fort Worth Texas. About one third (30%) were overweight/obese. Groups were compared regarding selected potential predictors. African American had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity (32.8 per 100) closely followed by Hispanics (31.9 per 100). Prevalence for Caucasians 23.5 per 100 and 7.7 per 100 for Asians. Data was analyzed using crude and multiple logistic regression adjusted odds ratio. Obesity increased with age and was more prevalent in males (32.8 per 100), in those eating chips, sweets, watching TV for more than two hours/day, and not exercising or playing at home. Modest non-significant associations were found in those eating more vegetables or fruits. Important effect modifications (interactions) were found between some predictors of obesity and gender, i.e. exercise, that decreased 53% the likelihood of having obesity in females, while was not importantly associated among males, and watching TV two or more hours/ day that increased the likelihood of being obese in females (OR=2.43, 95%CI 1.42, 4.15) than in males (OR=1.62, 95% CI 1.00, 2.61). Obesity represents a dangerous public health challenge for schools, parents, and the community because is associated with T2DM, hypertension, and other metabolic disorders. The association of some predictors of childhood obesity were found to differ by gender. Therefore, if these findings are confirmed by further investigation, preventive interventions should be planned taking gender differences into consideration.

Learning Objectives: At the end of presentation the participants will be able to

• Recognize major modifiable risk factors for obesity in children.
• Describe the role of gender and ethnicity on the risk and prevention of obesity in children.
• Identify high risk groups for childhood obesity.
• Describe interventions at the individual and population levels to prevent obesity.

Keywords: Obesity, Children

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.