Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Use of Health Care Services in Low-Income, Minority Preschool Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Public Health
• Obesity Research

Background:

• The relationship between weight, blood pressure, and healthcare utilization is poorly understood in low-income preschool children.
• High rates of obesity are prevalent in this demographic, impacting their health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and healthcare service use in low-income preschool children.
• To identify predictors of healthcare utilization, including doctor's visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.

Main Methods:

• Secondary data analysis of previously collected health screening data.
• Inclusion of body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure measurements.
• Parental reports on healthcare service utilization were utilized.

Main Results:

• 22.1% of children were classified as obese and 15.2% as overweight.
• Obese children had significantly more doctor's visits compared to overweight and normal-weight children.
• Systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly predicted the number of doctor's visits in the past year, but not emergency department visits or hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

• Low-income preschool children exhibit high obesity rates.
• Obesity and elevated systolic blood pressure are associated with increased physician visits in this population.
• Findings provide new insights into the health service needs of preschool children concerning weight and blood pressure.