Recorded presentation

Jamillah T.M. Berry, MSW and Roni M. Glover, MSW. School of Social Work, Clark Atlanta University, 223 James P. Brawley Dr., SW, Atlanta, GA 30314, 404-880-8311, jtmberry@aol.com

Poor eating habits and weight gain are major risk factors for numerous chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension. These diseases account for nearly 63% of all deaths in the United States and an exorbitant number of disabilities. Moreover, African-Americans are disproportionately impacted—with a 70% higher prevalence of diabetes than Caucasians and 30% more deaths caused by cardiovascular disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention describes these diseases as the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health problems. Although many studies have linked stress to overeating, for African Americans, further analyses including demographic and cultural determinants are warranted. This comparison study examines the influence of stress on overeating behaviors and assesses additional factors associated with overeating, i.e., gender, age, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, level of education, weight and eating behavioral patterns. A convenience sample of approximately 300 college students will be drawn. Measures include the Index of Clinical Stress, the Eating Behavior Patterns Questionnaire and the Eating Self-Efficacy Scale. Regression analyses will determine which factors most influence overeating behaviors. The dissemination of these findings can aid in the development of interdisciplinary health/mental health strategies and interventions aimed at decreasing the prevalence of obesity and preventable chronic disease in African-Americans.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Describe socio-cultural statistics relevant to overeating behaviors.
• Identify demographic disparities in stress and overeating, i.e., race, gender and socio-economic status.
• Articulate the role of stress on eating self-efficacy.

Keywords: Stress, Nutrition

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.

Recorded presentation