Trajectory of Change in Body MASS INDEX Percentile in YOUTH with Psychiatric Disorders

Introduction:  NYS OMH implemented a youth health monitoring (YHI) program with youth in clinic and day treatment settings. This program monitors youth body mass index percentile (BMI%), activity and risk behaviors (smoking, substance use) every 3-months.  BMI% change over time was characterized according to youth clinical and demographic factors.  METHODS: Youth admitted between 7/2009-12/2013 having BMI% (N=5245, 60%) were selected. Chi-square tests examined the association between BMI% and youth clinical/demographic characteristics.  Mixed random effect repeated analysis was used to model BMI% change trajectory as a log-linear function of time.  Mixed effect models controlled for age, gender, primary diagnosis of schizophrenia, smoking, substance use and antipsychotic use.  FINDINGS: The mixed model controlling for time and all covariates indicated significant baseline and overtime effects.  Factors associated with BMI% change over time were: gender, age and use of anti-psychotics.  In terms of gender, at baseline there was no significant difference in BMI%, however, overtime girls increased BMI% (1.5%).   Older youth (13-20) had significantly higher BMI% (2.8%) at baseline and displayed a significant decrease in BMI% (-1.68%).  For youth taking anti-psychotics, BMI% at baseline was significantly higher compared those not on anti-psychotics and they displayed a significant increase in BMI% (2.65%) over time.  In terms of activity, although youth who were active at baseline displayed a significantly lower BMI% (-2.11%) no significant BMI% change overtime was found. CONCLUSION:  The study identified factors associated with change in BMI%.  Future work will examine risk and protective behaviors for BMI% change in youth with mental health issues.