220523 Risk behaviors, high blood pressure and obesity in young African Americans

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Monique S. White, MPH , Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Clifton C. Addison, PhD , Jackson Heart Study/Project Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Brenda W. Jenkins, MPH, PhD , Jackson Heart Study/Project Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Lavon Young, MPH , Jackson Heart Study/Project Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Background: Researchers have attributed elevated blood pressure in children to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity, which sometimes lead to the early development of atherosclerosis in children. As a result, many health organizations have been advocating for early detection and intervention in childhood hypertension as an important first step in the fight to reduce health disparities and long-term health risks.

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between health risk behaviors and the development of obesity and high blood pressure among young African-Americans.

Significance: The information gathered can educate the student body on regular healthy practices that could improve their health status since overweight is associated with impaired quality of life and disability affecting basic activities of daily living.

Methods: This was a correlation research study that examined students' responses on a questionnaire to assess the relationship between health risk behaviors (physical activity, dietary practices, and alcohol and tobacco use) and health outcomes (obesity and high blood pressure).

Results: Though the strength of the relationship between health risk behaviors (physical activity, dietary practices, and alcohol and tobacco use) and health outcomes (obesity and high blood pressure) varied from one risk factor to another, lack of physical activity and dietary practices showed the strongest relationship to elevated blood pressure and obesity.

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate the need for further involvement by school districts to undertake preventive measures that can motivate the students to adopt healthier behavior practices that will help to provide them with a better quality of life.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
1.Explain the need for disease prevention management /education activities. 2.Name risk factors that are closely related to negative health outcomes. 3.Evaluate the role of physical activity and nutrition in maintaining good health.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am Health Education Coordinator of Project Health, and have been an investigator in this research. I am also a PhD candidate and have had considerable experience in presenting research findings at conferences, including APHA Annual Meeting.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.