Online Program

330574
Mapping the association of Samoan Obesity Rates and household-income in Los Angeles County


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Patrick St. Julien, Health Sciences, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA
Enrique Ortega, Phd MPH, Health Sciences, California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA
Background: The prevalence of overweight or obesity among the Samoan populations living in the US are among the highest in the world. This investigation focused on the elaboration of Geographical Information System (GIS) based maps that showed the distribution of obesity indicators, measures of low income and environmental features of the Samoan population living in the South Bay of Los Angeles County.

Methods: Obesity data was collected from 2007 Health Surveys Administered by the Los Angeles County of Public Health. The spatial break-up of the data was separated by Health Districts, with a sample of an estimated 578,000 participants; 83,000 of which being Asian/Pacific Islanders. This data was used to determine the location of the majority of Samoans in Los Angeles County. 

Results: Surface area maps indeed indicated that areas of LA County with a high prevalence of obesity indicators coincided with high rates of low income households at above mean levels. Health districts such as Long Beach and Carson, who record the highest rates of obesity, were also linked with low income households, while areas such Rancho Palos Verdes, who indicate lower rates of heart disease, show higher household incomes.

Conclusion:    GIS based maps can allow Health providers can gain a better understanding of the health status and income levels of communities in which they work. This understanding can help create interventions which target specific determinants of Samoan obesity.

Learning Areas:

Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Diversity and culture
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Identify the association between obesity and income indicators. Explain the distribution of possible environmental indicators of obesity. Differentiate high income and low income distribution of environmental obesity indicators

Keyword(s): Obesity, Low-Income

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a research assistant for a research group that has received funding for multiple project grants and which has a strong record of peer reviewed publications in the area of child and adolescent health behaviors. My scientific interests concern the topics under consideration in this abstract which are the basis for my statistical and research methods training. I am responsible to prepare this research for a scientific peer reviewed manuscript.
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.