Assessment of body mass index screening of elementary school children - Florida, 2007-2008.

The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased substantially in the United States and is associated with chronic diseases. State level surveillance is needed to monitor trends and investigate risk factors. In addition, data that identify at-risk communities can be used to inform those communities regarding childhood obesity. Body mass index (BMI) screening of Florida school children has been performed since 2001 as part of growth and development screening services and conducted by school districts and county health departments. Aggregated BMI data, by grade and county, are reported annually to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). In 2008, FDOH considered establishing a more extensive statewide BMI surveillance system. To begin planning for such a system, during February-March 2008, FDOH surveyed school health coordinators in Florida's 67 counties to assess qualities of BMI screening activities. Among 66 counties that provided complete surveys, 58 (88%) screened >or=75% of children in the first, third, and sixth grades, and 51 (77%) had written protocols or guidelines for measuring weight, height, or BMI. Nineteen counties (29%) were training >or=90% of their screeners, and 21 (32%) consistently used appropriate equipment for measuring height and weight. Thirty-one counties (47%) used appropriate electronic systems to calculate BMI percentile-for-age. BMI screening activities need improvement in policy and guideline development, training procedures, appropriate selection and use of equipment, and use of electronic data systems before Florida establishes a more extensive statewide surveillance system.