Assessing habits for modifying nutrition and physical activity behaviors in lower-income urban children and families

Background: Obesity is a public health epidemic, particularly among children. United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee (UNCOM), composed of eight centers serving low-income urban communities, partnered to integrate evidence-based approaches, e.g., We Can, into existing service programs to promote healthy lifestyles for urban children and families.

Design/Methods: Voluntary cross-sectional surveys of parents of 291 children aged 3-12 years and 122 teens aged 13-18 years (2006-07) inquiring about nutrition and physical activity levels.

Results: Among 338 parents who completed surveys, 83% were African American, 19% Latino, and 12% white (14% mixed race/ethnicity); 50% had high school education or less. Among 413 participating children ages 3-18, 40% were overweight (BMI > 85%) and 23% obese (BMI > 95%). Age significantly influenced nutrition and physical activity behaviors reported with a downward trend (less healthy choices) noted with increasing age. High percentages of TV time and low levels of knowledge for nutritional choices were found: 57% of toddlers and 67% of teens watched >3 hours of TV daily. While only 20% of children overall ate 3 or more vegetables daily and 28% ate 3 or more fruits daily, only 20% were aware they should eat more vegetables and 10% more fruits. Additionally, 29% of teens ate three or more fast food meals weekly, but only 8% of were aware they should eat less fast food.

Conclusions: Percent of overweight children in this population exceeds federal recommendations and national averages. Community-based interventions, utilizing neighborhood centers will be developed based on needs identified.