Original Article

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 92–103. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602272; published online 24 August 2005

Obesity prevention in low socioeconomic status urban African-American adolescents: study design and preliminary findings of the HEALTH-KIDS Study

Y Wang1,2, L Tussing2, A Odoms-Young3, C Braunschweig2, B Flay4, D Hedeker4 and D Hellison5

  1. 1Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Human Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University, USA
  2. 2Department of Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), USA
  3. 3UIC School of Public Health, USA
  4. 4School of Allied Health, Northern Illinois University, USA
  5. 5UIC Department of Movement Sciences, USA

Correspondence: Professor Y Wang, Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Room E2546, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. E-mail: ywang@jhsph.edu

Received 23 March 2005; Revised 30 June 2005; Accepted 14 July 2005; Published online 24 August 2005.

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Abstract

Objectives:

 

Obesity prevention among children and adolescents is a public health priority; however, limited school-based intervention trials targeting obesity have been conducted. This article provides an overview of the study design and baseline preliminary findings of our ongoing school-based intervention study.

Design:

 

Randomized intervention trial to test a school-based, environmental obesity prevention program in urban low socioeconomic status (SES) African-American adolescents. The intervention program was developed based on several behavioral theories and was guided by preliminary findings based on focus group discussion and baseline data.

Setting:

 

Four Chicago public schools in the US.

Subjects:

 

Over 450 5–7th graders and their families and schools were involved.

Results:

 

Our baseline data indicate a high prevalence of overweight (43% in boys and 41% in girls) and a number of problems in these children's physical activity and eating patterns. Only 26% reported spending greater than or equal to20 min engaged in vigorous-moderate exercise in greater than or equal to5 days over the past 7 days; 29% reported spending greater than or equal to5 h each day watching TV, playing video games, or using computer. They also consumed too many fried foods and soft drinks. On average, 55% consumed fried foods greater than or equal to2 times/day over the past 7 days; regarding soft drinks, 70% reported consuming greater than or equal to2 times/day.

Conclusion:

 

School-based obesity prevention programs are urgently needed in the target US urban, low SES, minority communities. These data can be used to inform intervention activities.

Keywords:

adolescent, child, intervention trial, obesity, school

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