Availability of obesity data on adolescents with disability in the state health surveillance programs

Background: While a number of researchers have used state surveillance data in tracking childhood obesity in children without disability, few have used them for those with disability. In fact, many studies reporting an elevated prevalence of obesity in children with disability based their argument on convenience samples. The purpose of the present study is to assess the availability of data on childhood obesity and related issues in adolescents with disability in state surveillance programs.

Method: State-level surveillance programs tracking adolescent health, implemented between 2001 and 2010, were identified. For each program, biennial data sets were examined through evaluation of survey questionnaires and contact with state department officials regarding the availability of the following information: (1) a disability screening question, (2) obesity status, (3) physical activity, (4) nutrition, and (5) related health conditions.

Results: Our preliminary results suggest that only 8 states have ever included a disability screening question in their surveillance program. Of those, only three states regularly collect data on adolescents with disability. Out of the 235 data sets produced from state surveillance programs examined, we found that 24 data sets (10.2%) included a disability screener. These included information on obesity status, physical activity, nutrition, and related health conditions of adolescents with disability. However, longitudinal analysis is complicated due to the variation of specific questions across different survey years.

Conclusion: Few state surveillance data include adolescents with disability. Lack of data makes it difficult to include adolescents with disability in current policy initiatives for reducing/preventing childhood obesity.