Document Type
Master's Culminating Experience
Publication Date
2010
Abstract
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 Health (NSCH). NSCH is a national survey conducted by the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health. The purpose of the NSCH was to estimate national and state level prevalence for several physical, emotional, and behavioral child health indicators including information on the child’s family and community environment. This research observed specific variable outcomes taken from the 2007 NSCH data collection for 10-17 year olds. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient (Spearman’s Rho), and Pearson’s Chi-Square test was conducted to determine relationships between environmental factors and weight status. This analysis revealed that the weight status of 10-17 year old children is adversely influenced by a combination of behavioral and built environmental factors.
Repository Citation
Dunfee, D. (2010). Environmental Influences on Pediatric Obesity: An Examination of the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.
