The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62082

Laura B Fiveash, RD, MPH, School of Public Health, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, RPHB 320, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, 205-934-7161, RD5ash@bellsouth.net and Donna J Petersen, MHS, ScD, Associate Deans Office, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 120 Ryals Public Health Building, 16665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022.

A study demonstrating that the consequences of childhood obesity reach beyond the medical, social, and economic ramifications and affect a child’s self-perceived quality of life may assist in advancing the issue of childhood obesity on the public agenda. This study examined the relationship between self-perceived quality of life and obesity in children. Sample: African American children in grades 3-5 attending six Birmingham city schools in Alabama. Forty five percent of these children receive free or reduced priced meals. Methods: Self-perceived health-related quality of life was measured using the PedsQL 4.0. The 23-item questionnaire consists of four scales evaluating physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, and school functioning. Six questions from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were used to measure co-morbid conditions, health care utilization and health insurance status. Weight, height and blood pressure were measured during a school health exhibit entitled BodyTrek. Preliminary Results: Of the 848 total responses (mean age=9.84 years, 48.8 % female), 18.1% were classified as overweight (BMI for age ³85th %ile and < 95th %ile) and 24.1% were classified as obese (> 95th %ile). Ten percent had normal borderline high blood pressure, and 15.6% had high blood pressure. Significant positive associations were found between school functioning and obesity (Phi=.244, a = .009) and between social functioning and obesity (Phi= .310, a = .000). In addition, a significant positive relationship was found between blood pressure and obesity (Phi = .386, a = .000).

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to:
• 1) Discuss differences in quality of life reported by obese and non-obese African American children
• 2) Describe the relationship between health insurance status and health care utilization and childhood obesity
• 3) Recognize the positive relationship between childhood obesity and blood pressure
• 4) Develop more effective weight loss programs based on the relationship of quality of life and childhood obesity

Keywords: Obesity, Quality of Life

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.