ERIC Number: EJ1415883
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: EISSN-1746-1561
Associations of Body Mass Index with Self-Rated Health and Weight Perceptions among Rural Appalachian Adolescent Students
Brittany M. Kirkpatrick; Kathleen J. Porter; Annie L. Reid; Donna Brock; Theresa H. Markwalter; Jamie M. Zoellner
Journal of School Health, v94 n4 p346-356 2024
Background: Adolescents with overweight or obesity are at greater risk of having physical and psychosocial consequences. With increased disparities and inadequate literature on prevalence of adolescent weight status in rural Appalachia, there is potential for further complications. Unfortunately, adolescent obesity treatment options are often limited, especially in medically underserved regions. Methods: This cross-sectional study of adolescents at eight rural Appalachian schools examined weight status among and associations between body mass index percentile (BMIp) categories and health-related perceptions and weight-control intentions. Previously validated instruments were utilized. Analyses included independent samples t-tests, ANOVA tests, and chi-squared tests. Results: Of 814 adolescents (ages 11-13; 55.0% girls), BMIp revealed 20.8% overweight, 22.7% obese, and 10.6% severely obese. Adolescents with higher BMIp categories reported poorer self-rated health, inaccurate weight perceptions, and greater weight loss intentions (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings, including high prevalence of adolescents with overweight and obesity, emphasize the need for more obesity prevention and treatment options. Schools may be an ideal setting to reach at-risk adolescents and provide obesity prevention and treatment options, especially in medically underserved regions such as rural Appalachia. Opportunities and challenges to apply findings, including school-based obesity programs, are discussed.
Descriptors: Body Composition, Obesity, Rural Schools, Adolescents, Student Attitudes, Self Concept, Middle School Students, Physical Health, Individual Development, Disadvantaged Schools, Intention, Prevention, Medical Services
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: R01MD012603