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

Abstract #111116

David Krol, MD, MPH, FAAP¹, Alan Shapiro, MD², Sandra Goldsmith, MS, RD, CDN¹, Basma Faris, MS, RD², Linda F. Cushman, PhD³, Debra Kalmuss, PhD⁴, and Pearila Namerow, PhD³. (1) The Children's Health Fund, 317 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021, 212-535-9400, dkrol@chfund.org, (2) South Bronx Health Center for Children and Families, 871 Prospect Avenue, Bronx, NY 10459, (3) Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, Center for Population and Family Health, 60 Haven Avenue, B2, New York, NY 10032, (4) Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032

Background: Obesity among children and youth in Bronx, NY is an important public health issue. Objective: To explore knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Bronx children and youth regarding weight, nutrition, and exercise. Design/Methods: Five focus groups of inner-city community health center patients ages 10-18 and parents were conducted. All focus groups were led by a moderator, audiotaped (except for an older boys group), transcribed, and analyzed. Results: Most information about obesity comes from television. Groups were aware of numerous health consequences of obesity. Some participants mentioned effects of obesity on depression, sadness, and reduced self-esteem. The majority in the groups felt being overweight did not affect social life. All groups were able to classify foods as healthy and unhealthy. Barriers to eating healthy foods included taste, types of food, and portion sizes served to them. Most often, mothers or grandmothers did the cooking, determined type, and portion size. Older groups were aware that exercise was an important mediator of weight and health. Younger girls exercised for fun while younger boys exercised for fun, competition, to build muscles, and other reasons. Older boys exercised for their looks and to build muscle, not for health reasons. Parents and older girls mentioned the importance of parents being role models and supporting healthy eating and exercise. Conclusions: Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Bronx children and youth surrounding obesity, nutrition, and exercise vary by cognitive and physical stage of development as well as by sex. Interventions should be family-centered and consider these variations.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe how South Bronx youth view issues surrounding obesity, nutrition, and exercise
• Recognize how understanding how knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors can be helpful in desgining health education and promotion efforts involving nutrition and physical activity

Keywords: Obesity, Health Education

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.

Recorded presentation