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School-based obesity screening in rural Appalachia.
Ellen Demerath1, Viktorina Muratova, Emily Spangler
1Lifespan Health Research Center, Department of Community Health, Wright State University School of Medicine, 3171 Research Boulevard, Kettering, OH 45420-4014, USA. ellen.demerath@wright.edu
Preventive Medicine
|November 26, 2003
Summary
Childhood obesity is prevalent in rural Appalachia, with obese children facing higher cardiovascular disease risks. Physician identification rates are low, suggesting school-based screening is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Public Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity identification is crucial for preventing adult diseases.
- Current screening primarily occurs during physician visits.
- Access to screening may be limited in rural areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and utility of a school-based obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor screening program.
- To evaluate screening in a rural Appalachian population.
Main Methods:
- Screened 1338 fifth-grade children (boys and girls) in rural West Virginia.
- Measured height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
- Conducted screening during 2000-2001.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of overweight (17.5%) and obesity (27.0%) was observed.
- Obese children showed increased risk for high TC, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure.
- Physicians identified only 63% of obese and 26% of overweight children.
Conclusions:
- High obesity prevalence and associated CVD risk factors necessitate alternative screening methods.
- School-based screening programs may be effective in high-risk communities.
- Low physician identification rates highlight the need for broader screening initiatives.
