262711 Adolescent's Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors and Associated Substance Use, Suicidality, Multiple Sexual Partners, and Violence

Monday, October 29, 2012

Chung-Bang Weng, MSCS, MA, PhD , Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Jiunn-Jye Sheu, PhD, MSPH, MCHES , Department of Health and Recreation Professions, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
W. William Chen, PhD, CHES , Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
R. Morgan Pigg Jr., HSD, MPH , Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Delores C.S. James, PhD, RD , Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
I-Chan Huang, PhD , Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Objective: This study investigated the relationships between Unhealthy Weight Control Behavior (UWCB) and substance use, multiple sexual partners, suicidal behaviors, and violence among American adolescents.

Methods: The sample included 9th-12th grades who participated in the 2009 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n=16,410).

Results: UWCB was associated independently with all selected health risk behaviors among both male and female adolescents. After controlling for confounding risk behaviors, attempted suicide (OR=3.19; 95% CI, 2.55-4.00), suicidal ideation (OR=2.04; 95% CI, 1.65-2.52), drug use in 30 days (OR=1.90; 95% CI, 1.51-2.37), drug use beyond 30 days (OR=1.78; 95% CI, 1.47-2.15), frequent smoking (OR=1.73; 95% CI, 1.31-2.27 ), occasional smoking (OR=1.71; 95% CI, 1.38-2.10), binge drinking (OR=1.53; 95% CI, 1.25-1.86), casual drinking (OR=1.37; 95% CI: 1.12-1.67), and having been bullied (OR= 1.35; 95% CI, 1.14-1.60) were associated with UWCB among female adolescents. Conversely, male adolescent's UWCB demonstrated significant associations in attempted suicide (OR=3.55; 95% CI, 2.51-5.03), binge drinking (OR=2.16; 95% CI, 1.63-2.85), having been bullied (OR= 1.85; 95% CI, 1.47-2.32), sexual violence (OR=1.71; 95% CI, 1.14-2.57), suicidal ideation (OR=1.69; 95% CI, 1.20-2.38), occasional smoking (OR=1.65; 95% CI, 1.24-2.19), multiple sexual partners (OR=1.64; 95% CI, 1.22-2.22), physical violence (OR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.10-1.95), one sexual partner (OR=1.44; 95% CI: 1.13-1.86), and frequent smoking (OR=1.41; 95% CI, 1.01-1.99 ).

Conclusion: UWCB is highly associated with several health risk behaviors among adolescents. Adolescents who use more substances have a higher risk of UWCB. Male adolescents with UWCB tended to engage in more health compromising behaviors than do females.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the prevalence of Unhealthy Weight Control Behavior (UWCB) and selected health risk behavior among male and female adolescents. 2. Explain the association of UWCB and selected health risk behaviors among male and female adolescents.

Keywords: Weight Management, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been researching in weight control behaviors and health risk behaviors among adolescents. Among my scientific interests has been the development of strategies for weight management and health risk assessment. I have presented multiple peer-reviewed presentations and regional and national professional meetings. I authored peer reviewed publications. I have a MS in Computer Technology from IIT in Chicago and a PhD in Health Education & Behavior. University of Florida. Gainesville, Florida.
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: 3408.0: Healthy Weight and Healthy Eating in School