Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Influence Of School Eating Environment On Children's Eating Behaviors: An Examination Of The Snda-Iii, Sabrina M. Neeley

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in the United States has prompted researchers to examine the factors that contribute to children’s food choices and consumption. Schools provide ample opportunities to teach children healthy eating habits, as well as create eating environments that are conducive to healthy eating behaviors. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides federally assisted meals to millions of children every day and the assessment of the NSLP provides an opportunity to examine the school-eating environment. Hierarchical and logistic modeling of the SNDA-III, the USDA assessment of the NSLP, was conducted to determine relationships between environmental factors …

Prevalence Of Metabolic Abnormalities In Children With Varying Degrees Of Obesity, Leah Sabato

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

As the prevalence of obesity among children has risen, metabolic syndrome, a cluster of abnormalities which includes obesity, altered glucose metabolism, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, has increasingly become recognized in the pediatric population. Metabolic syndrome has been studied extensively in adults, and there is increasing interest to understand the condition in adolescents; however, studies of metabolic syndrome in younger children are limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components among children aged 6-10 years. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were gathered retrospectively from the medical records of 222 obese children aged …

Prevalence Of Obesity Among Head Start Preschoolers In Western Ohio, Angela Sims

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: The intent of this study was to examine low income Head Start overweight and obese preschoolers, ages 3-5, in 8 western Ohio counties. Variables of interest included: obesity status, rural versus metropolitan location, home versus center-based Head Start, and access to physicians.

Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from the host Head Start site located in Piqua, Ohio. All Head Start enrolled preschoolers (N=1,181) ages 3 to 5 within the 8 western Ohio counties and 43 programs were studied. All children were considered of low income based on their acceptance into the Head Start program.

The data was retrieved from …

Diabetes Obesity-Wellness Opportunity Program (Dowop) Evaluation, Francis Banahene

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The aim of the study was to evaluate Diabetes Obesity - Wellness Opportunities Program (DOWOP) for overweight and obese adolescents aged eight to 14 years.

The study was conducted over 14 weeks at Victor J. Cassano, Sr. Health Center in Dayton, Ohio. Thirteen weekly nutrition, exercise and cognitive presentations were held. Cooking class was held on week thirteen. Participants completed food and activity diaries. The program sessions focused on healthy eating, increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary behavior and supporting participants maintain healthy lifestyle.

Nurses recorded BMI and waist circumference at baseline, week 7 and week 14. Program administrators were interviewed …

Environmental Influences On Pediatric Obesity: An Examination Of The 2007 National Survey Of Children's Health (Nsch), Donny Dunfee

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Obese children are more likely to become obese as adults; hence, they are at increased risk for a number of adult diseases. As with adult obesity, several variables contribute to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. The intent of this report is to illustrate the connection between childhood obesity and the social environmental interactions of populations. With the increasing prevalence of obesity in adults and children, healthcare and public health professionals view childhood overweight and obesity as one of the most serious public health concerns of our time. This research conducts a secondary analysis of the National Survey of Children’s …