224777 Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Index

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Valerie F. Ruelas, LCSW , Medicine/Endocrinology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Ellen Iverson, MPH , Community Health Outcomes and Intervention Research Program, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles/USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
Preston Kiekel, PhD , Division of Research on Childrens Youth and Families, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Anne Peters, MD , Medicine/Endocrinology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Michele D. Kipke, PhD , Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
        
Background: Population-based surveys rarely report on the interplay of behaviors related to food consumption and physical activity behavior. This presentation reports on the development of a Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and Physical Activity Index (PAI) to assess how interactions of eating and activity variables influence obesity and related health conditions.

Methods: The Community Diabetes Initiative random digit dial phone survey was developed to identify risk factors associated with high rates of obesity and diabetes in two low-income communities. Data was collected on 400 adults living in East and South Los Angeles.

Key Results: HEI: Created from 9 survey items (from CHIS, NHANES, USDA/CSF, BRFSS). Subjects were asked about home food preparation and consumption frequency of fruits, vegetables, fast food, fried potatoes, soda/sweetened drinks, sweets and salty snacks. Items were scored from 1 being the most healthy to 6 being the least healthy. The range was 9–50.

PAI: Created from 6 survey items related to physical activity and screen time (BRFSS, NHANES). Subjects were asked about TV/computer screen time and vigorous weekly physical activity. A scoring algorithm was utilized with 1 being the most healthy to 6 being the least healthy levels of physical activity. The range was 1-6. Discussion: Individual eating and physical activity behavior vary greatly from eating healthy diets but being completely sedentary to engaging in unhealthy eating yet exercise vigorously every day. Understanding the interplay of these behaviors can aid in developing more targeted interventions and understanding the links to obesity and related chronic health conditions.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture

Learning Objectives:
1) Identify variables chosen to develop the Healthy Eating Index and Physical Activity Index. 2) Describe how each variable was scored and index was created. 3) Discuss how the indices can be utilized to assess the interplay of eating and physical activity behavior.

Keywords: Dietary Assessment, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I oversee diabetes and obesity related community based and clinical research programs for the University of Southern California and Childrens Hospital Los Angleles
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.

Back to: 4186.0: Research methods and measures in food and nutrition