Childhood obesity in six north Texas counties: Family- and school-based factors

Background: Childhood obesity is associated with many short- and long-term health complications. Families and schools each play key roles in childhood obesity prevention. Parents' health-related perceptions and behaviors contribute to childhood obesity . Children spend more time in school than any other environment away from home, giving schools a tremendous opportunity to promote healthy behaviors . Method: The Center for Children's Health of Cook Children's Health Care System in Fort Worth, Texas administered the Community-wide Children's Health Assessment & Planning Surveys (CCHAPS) to six counties in 2008 and 2012. The CCHAPS data was used to examine overweight/obesity in children ages 2 to 15, according to parental report and demographic factors. Associations were examined between overweight/obesity and school-related factors such as physical activity and free/discounted lunch. Associations were also determined between overweight/obesity and home-related factors such as fruit and vegetable consumption, screen time, and family activities. Results: In 2012, 38.6% of children were overweight/obese. Only 22.9% of overweight/obese children's parents were concerned about their child's weight, and 83.8% of overweight/obese children's parents rated their child's health as “very good” or “excellent”. Family factors such as fruit and vegetable consumption, screen time, and healthy meals were significantly related to overweight/obesity (p<.05). School factors such as physical activity and free/discounted lunch were significantly related to overweight/obesity (p<.05).