Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Laurence T. Crossan, MD, Masters in Public Health Student, Thomas Jefferson College of Graduate Studies, 1025 Walnut St., M46, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-503-0174, drlcrossan@comcast.net, Jennifer H. Lofland, PharmD, MPH, PhD, Department of Health Policy, Thomas Jefferson College of Graduate Studies, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 115, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Jessica M. Robbins, PhD, Division of Ambulatory Health Services, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, 500 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, and James Plumb, MD, MPH, Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 401, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Objectives: To estimate the rate of body-mass-index (BMI), treatment, and types of treatment documented among at risk for overweight and overweight adolescents in Philadelphia Public Healthcare Centers (PPHC). Design: 400 medical charts were reviewed. Setting: All 8 PPHCs treating adolescent patients Participants: Adolescents 12 -18 years of age who were seen for two well-care visits between 1-1, 2003 and 3-1, 2005 and who had data recorded for height and weight. BMI was calculated and categorized as normal (< 85th percentile), at risk of overweight (85th to < 95th percentile), or overweight ( 95th percentile and over). Outcome Measures: The records were examined for documentation of BMI, types of treatment for overweight, and presence of comorbid conditions. Results: 383 individuals met the inclusion criteria. The BMI was documented in 9% (36/383) of the medical charts. Of the 36 individuals who had their BMI documented, 15 (42%) were of normal weight, 7 (19%) were at risk of overweight, and 14 (39%) were overweight. Of the 128 adolescents who were found to be at risk of overweight or overweight, 21 (16%) had their BMI documented. The most common treatments ordered for the adolescents with documented BMI of at risk for overweight or overweight (n=21) were nutritional counseling and testing for comorbid conditions. Conclusions: In the PPHCs, one-third of adolescents were found to be at risk for overweight or overweight. Few of these patients had their BMI documented in their medical chart. The rates and types of treatment documented for these children varied.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the significance of a BMI (Body Mass Index) in assessing the prevalence of adolescent overweight
• Identify risk factors and comorbid conditions in at risk and overweight adolescents
• Construct treatment plans for at risk and overweight adolescents and apply these in a public health setting

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No