Adverse Experiences, Protective Factors, and Obesity in Latinx and Hispanic Youths
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to higher body mass index (BMI) in youth. Protective factors like self-coping and caregiver support can mitigate this association, especially in Latinx and Hispanic youth.
Area Of Science
- Pediatric health
- Psychology
- Public health
Background
- Rising pediatric obesity rates are a significant public health concern.
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may contribute to obesity through stress-induced weight gain.
- Latinx and Hispanic youth experience higher rates of ACEs and obesity, necessitating focused research.
Purpose Of The Study
- To examine the association between ACEs and body mass index (BMI) in a diverse youth cohort.
- To determine if protective factors moderate the ACEs-BMI relationship, with a focus on Latinx and Hispanic youth.
Main Methods
- Utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a large, cross-sectional cohort of 11-12 year olds.
- Analyzed cumulative ACEs and youth-reported protective factors (self-coping, caregiver/friend support).
- Employed linear mixed-effects models to assess associations and moderation, controlling for confounders.
Main Results
- Latinx and Hispanic youth exhibited higher BMI and ACE scores compared to non-Hispanic youth.
- ACEs were significantly associated with increased BMI across all participants.
- Self-coping, caregiver support, and overall protective scores moderated the ACEs-BMI association specifically in Latinx and Hispanic youth.
Conclusions
- Findings underscore the importance of screening for ACEs in pediatric obesity management.
- Promoting protective factors like self-coping and caregiver support is crucial for mitigating ACEs' impact on youth BMI.
- Trauma-informed interventions and resiliency-building strategies can help address weight disparities and improve health outcomes.
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