Using the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (weighted population size = 35,460,209; 8-18 years old; 52.1% males), we compared the obesity prevalence in children and adolescents between body mass index-based (BMI-based) and total percent body fat-based (BF%-based, measured by the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) cutoffs.…

Obesity has been found to relate to urine-assessed hypohydration risk at the population level, but studies have often failed to account for lean mass, which influences urine solute load. Adults (n = 8,699) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were categorized as hypohydrated or not using five urine-based methods. Hypohydration…

Child growth and development are important aspects of the quality of human capital in future. This study aimed to examine the association between stunting and fine motor, gross motor, and social independence development among children under the age of five years old. We included a total of 525 children from district level survey in Sedayu…

Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at an increased risk for developing obesity when compared to their typically developing peers. Given higher prevalence of obesity in youth with ASD, understanding factors relating to success in obesity treatment provides insight into implementing efficacious treatments for youth. The current study…

Background: Both underweight and overweight are public health concerns in Japan. Several studies examined the association between health literacy (HL) and obesity status in the general population; however, there is limited information on young adults. In addition, the association between HL and underweight status has not been extensively…

Objective: To investigate sex and racial/ethnic differences in overweight and obesity in college students. Participants: A nationally representative sample of 319,342 U.S. college students (mean age = 20.4 years; 67.7% female) from Fall 2011 to Spring 2015. Methods: A secondary data analysis of multi-year cross-sectional data was performed.…

A high prevalence of medical conditions affects the typical motor development of learners in the West Coast District of South Africa. Given the strong correlation between motor skill performance and academic achievement, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of motor skill impairment among Grade R learners (5-7-year olds) enrolled in public…

Children and adolescents with disabilities benefit from physical activity. However, this population has lower fitness levels and higher rates of obesity than their peers, suggesting that they are not meeting physical activity guidelines and are experiencing barriers to participation. The purpose of this study was to quantify physical activity…

Background: The prevalence of abdominal obesity (AO) is high in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension (HPT) in students with ID with different distributions of adipose tissue. Method: Study involved 568 participants with ID. AO was assessed on the basis of waist…

Background: Research indicates that increased exercise behaviors collectively called FIT (frequency, intensity, and time) values, equate with positive health outcomes. Young college adults often gain weight due to decreased exercise. Purpose: This study seeks to understand whether wearable exercise technology is associated with increased exercise…

Background: Prevalence and consequences of obesity and sedentary lifestyle are well-documented public health concerns for youth in the United States of America (USA) that disproportionally affect children from low income and minority families. Objective: This mixed-method study focused on estimating levels of physical activity and sedentary…

The purpose of this study was to examine current overweight and obesity prevalence rates among US youth (aged 10-17 years) with and without autism spectrum disorder, based on the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health. Analyses of weight status, derived from parent-reported height and weight measures, were conducted for a weighted sample of…

Background: Overweight and obesity is a growing concern among individuals with intellectual disabilities; however, little is known about the prevalence among children and youth with Down syndrome (CYDS). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight/obesity among CYDS in South West Ireland. Methods: This cross-sectional…

Introduction: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a cluster of emotional, and physical symptoms PMDD is a more serious and severe premenstrual condition that affects about 5% of women during their reproductive years. Although PMDD, like PMS, may include physical symptoms, it always involves a worsening of mood that interferes significantly…

This dissertation addresses several contemporary health challenges affecting the US population, drawing on methods and perspectives from health services research, social demography, and medical sociology. Paper 1 examines the pathways from educational attainment to difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of…