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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
US States' Childhood Obesity Surveillance Practices and Recommendations for Improving Them, 2014-2015
Kelly J Blondin1, Catherine M Giles2, Angie L Cradock2
1Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2115 Milvia St, Ste 4, Berkeley, CA 94704.
Insights
Most states lack child body mass index (BMI) surveillance systems, hindering efforts to combat childhood obesity. Enhanced data collection is crucial for effective intervention strategies and public health policy.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Childhood Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring robust monitoring.
- Existing US government BMI surveillance systems lack state and local data granularity.
- Effective interventions and policy require data on child height, weight, and BMI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of child body mass index (BMI) surveillance by state governments.
- To identify states with established child BMI surveillance systems.
Main Methods:
- A structured telephone survey was conducted with state government administrators in 2014.
- Website searches of state health and education agencies supplemented survey data.
- Data collection focused on child BMI surveillance practices.
Main Results:
- Interviews were completed with administrators from 48 states and Washington, DC (96% response rate).
- Only 14 states were found to collect child BMI data consistent with public health surveillance standards.
- The majority of states lack comprehensive child BMI surveillance.
Conclusions:
- The limited availability of state-level child BMI data impedes the development and evaluation of obesity interventions.
- Increased investment in surveillance infrastructure is necessary for targeted public health responses.
- Effective childhood obesity interventions require data-driven strategies.
Introduction:
Routine collection, analysis, and reporting of data on child height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), particularly at the state and local levels, are needed to monitor the childhood obesity epidemic, plan intervention strategies, and evaluate the impact of interventions. Child BMI surveillance systems operated by the US government do not provide state or local data on children across a range of ages. The objective of this study was to describe the extent to which state governments conduct child BMI surveillance.
Methods:
From August through December 2014, we conducted a structured telephone survey with state government administrators to learn about state surveillance of child BMI. We also searched websites of state health and education agencies for information about state surveillance.
Results:
State agency administrators in 48 states and Washington, DC, completed telephone interviews (96% response rate). Based on our interviews and Internet research, we determined that 14 states collect child BMI data in a manner consistent with standard definitions of public health surveillance.
Conclusion:
The absence of child BMI surveillance systems in most states limits the ability of public health practitioners and policymakers to develop and evaluate responses to the childhood obesity epidemic. Greater investment in surveillance is needed to identify the most effective and cost-effective childhood obesity interventions.
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