Margaret D Hanson1, Edith Chen. 1. Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. hansonm@psych.ubc.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess how sociodemographic and activity behaviors contribute to adolescent body mass index (BMI). METHODS: One hundred and thirteen adolescents (M = 17 years; 42% Caucasian, 56% African American) were assessed on BMI. Teens reported activity levels and caregivers reported socioeconomic status (SES). RESULTS: Adolescents from lower SES backgrounds, and from minority groups, had higher BMI (r = -.26, p < .01 and t(110) = -3.01, p < .01). Formal statistical mediation tests revealed that sedentary behaviors significantly mediated the association between SES and BMI (Z = 2.31, p < .05), whereas physical activity significantly mediated the race-BMI association (Z = 2.32, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting teen BMI could benefit by aiming to decrease sedentary behavior in low SES teens and increase physical activity in teens from minority groups.
OBJECTIVE: To assess how sociodemographic and activity behaviors contribute to adolescent body mass index (BMI). METHODS: One hundred and thirteen adolescents (M = 17 years; 42% Caucasian, 56% African American) were assessed on BMI. Teens reported activity levels and caregivers reported socioeconomic status (SES). RESULTS: Adolescents from lower SES backgrounds, and from minority groups, had higher BMI (r = -.26, p < .01 and t(110) = -3.01, p < .01). Formal statistical mediation tests revealed that sedentary behaviors significantly mediated the association between SES and BMI (Z = 2.31, p < .05), whereas physical activity significantly mediated the race-BMI association (Z = 2.32, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting teen BMI could benefit by aiming to decrease sedentary behavior in low SES teens and increase physical activity in teens from minority groups.
Authors: Mark L Wieland; Kristina Tiedje; Sonja J Meiers; Ahmed A Mohamed; Christine M Formea; Jennifer L Ridgeway; Gladys B Asiedu; Ginny Boyum; Jennifer A Weis; Julie A Nigon; Christi A Patten; Irene G Sia Journal: J Immigr Minor Health Date: 2015-02
Authors: Jane W Njeru; Eugene M Tan; Jennifer St Sauver; Debra J Jacobson; Amenah A Agunwamba; Patrick M Wilson; Lila J Rutten; Swathi Damodaran; Mark L Wieland Journal: J Immigr Minor Health Date: 2016-12