Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #107197

Michelle A. Parker, RN, CPNP¹, Stacey Stimets, RD, LD¹, Marianne Felice, MD², and Dianne S. Elfenbein, MD³. (1) Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, 508-856-2455, parkem01@ummhc.org, (2) Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, (3) Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655

Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicate 16% of children ages 6-19 years are overweight, a 45% increase in the last decade. Because of their low-income status, adolescent mothers and their children are at increased risk for being overweight. Medical records of 55 adolescent mothers and their children attending a federally funded, comprehensive, interdisciplinary medical program were audited. Mothers' age ranged from 14 to 19 at time of delivery; mean age was 17 (SD 1.3). Race: Caucasian 48%; Black 10%; Asian 10%; Multi racial 10%. Ethnicity: Hispanic 38%. BMIs of mothers and children were tabulated. Pre-pregnancy BMI from maternal estimates indicated 45% of mothers were overweight and16% obese. At one year postpartum 58% were noted to be overweight, 23% obese. At 2 years postpartum 70% were overweight, 37% obese. Children's BMIs at two years of age (33) indicated 12% were at-risk for overweight and 10% were overweight. At 3 years of age (14) 50% of children were at-risk for overweight and 25% were overweight. These higher than national rates, especially the 25% increase in obesity in the first two years post-partum and half the children at risk for overweight at 3 years of age is compelling evidence that specially tailored programs are needed to intervene effectively with this vulnerable population.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Identify the differences in prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescent mothers and their children compared to national data.
• 2.Identify the importance of developing interventions crafted specifically for this vulnerable population

Keywords: Obesity, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.