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

Abstract #63146

Barbara J Low, DrPH¹, Elizabeth Baumler, PhD², Kathryn M Cardarelli, MPH², Janet M Sterner, MPH², and M. David Low, MD, PhD². (1) Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 2664B, Houston, TX 77030, (713) 500-9624, BJLow@sph.uth.tmc.edu, (2) Center for Society and Population Health, University of Texas School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler, Suite E 935, Houston, TX 77030

A great deal of research has shown that health status in a population follows a gradient that is a function of social stratification, and that education is the primary determinant of an individual’s place in society. Given the critical importance of this interrelationship to the present and future health of our nation, we have undertaken this study to evaluate the key factors believed to influence successful academic achievement in American public schools. In particular, we wish to clarify the reasons for the striking differences in performance of students across the nation. Our study compares multiple levels of factors impacting U.S. state academic and health outcomes through analysis of key individual, parent, family, school, neighborhood, and economic-related determinants of child and adolescent health and academic success. The model includes factors affecting school performance, child and adolescent health behaviors, and youth health indicators. Compelling evidence links early childhood experience to educational achievement, subsequent social stratification, and health: initial data analyses reveal evidence of strong correlations between many of the independent variables selected for the models and the national standardized math and reading test scores from 4th-and 8th-grade students collected from 1994 to 2000. Primary study objectives are to provide evidence that both school- and parent/family-related factors contribute to student academic success and health, and to assess the relative importance of each factor. The ultimate study objective is to use this knowledge to plan and conduct a future longitudinal study in order to direct more effective local education and health policy.

Learning Objectives:

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• The participant will be able to describe the gradient that exists between duration of education and mortality in the United States and other countries; (
• The participant will be able to state the relative importance of some of the key personal, family, school, community, and economic-related variables that impact child and adolescent short- and long-term health outcomes in the United States; (
• The participant will be able to state how this evidence might be used to direct more effective education and health policy.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The University of Texas School of Public Health
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.