Search

Weight perception has been studied with a limited focus on 'feeling overweight.' This study, using a more inclusive definition of overestimation and underestimation, examines adolescents' weight perception focusing on how accurate it is in relation to body mass index (BMI)-based weight status and how it varies across socio-demographic factors. Data are from the 2007 Minnesota Student Survey, a paper-and-pencil survey completed in the classroom by students in public schools. The final analyses were based on the data from 87,418 high school students who were asked about their height and weight. Weight perception and the BMI-based weight status (based on self-reported weight and height) were strongly and positively correlated, but substantial discordance was observed with more than a quarter of the students (27.6%) having discordant weight perception. Males, minorities, and those from low-income households were more likely than their respective counterparts to have a discordant weight perception. Overall, underestimation was more prevalent than overestimation. Girls were more likely to overestimate, while boys were more likely to underestimate. Black and Hispanic females and those from low-income households were more likely to underestimate than overestimate their weight, while Asian/Pacific Islander males were more likely to overestimate than underestimate. If underestimation is more prevalent among Black or Hispanic females and those from low-income households, the already higher prevalence of obesity among these groups is unlikely to decrease. Overestimation, on the other hand, can be a risk factor for unhealthy weight-control behaviors. Monitoring adolescents' perceived weight in addition to their BMI is critical to understanding the challenge we face with childhood obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Schools have become a primary access point for mental health services to cover the gap between need and service utilization that has long existed, particularly among vulnerable populations. This study aims to identify the profiles of comprehensive school mental and behavioral health system (CSMBHS) needs and examine related characteristics. METHODS: We used the 2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) collected from a nationally representative sample in the United States. The sample included 6th through 12th‐grade adolescents who had received CSMBHS services in the last 12 months (N = 1346). The study conducted latent class analysis and multinomial logistic regression using Vermunt's 3‐step approach. RESULTS: The analysis identified 3 profiles of student CSMBHS service need: depression needs (42%), multiple endorsements in most needs (depressed, friend, and school problems; 6.5%), and low endorsement (51.4%). Findings suggest that the profiles differed by age, a lifetime major depressive episode, family income, and use of other mental health services. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH, POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Emphasis should be placed on proactively identifying student needs and advocating for appropriate interventions based on student needs. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals important information regarding how schools best support students in need and in seeking services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The school presents an ideal environment to positively impact the long‐term health and nutrition outcomes of early adolescents, who are at risk of obesity and anemia. METHODS: In this cross‐sectional survey, we described differences in weight and anemia by sociodemographic, diet and physical activity indicators among 1059 students aged 11 to 15 years from 22 junior secondary schools in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Weight was based on body mass index (BMI) z‐scores according to the WHO reference and anemia status was defined by standardized hemoglobin (Hb) measure cut‐offs. We calculated dietary diversity scores (DDS) from a 24‐hour dietary recall and a global diet quality score (GDQS) from a 7‐day dietary recall. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity (5%) and anemia (50%) was relatively high among the students, which differed significantly between gender, household wealth and school grade, but not age groups. Eighteen percent of the female adolescents were overweight or obese and 22% were moderately anemic compared to 13% and 16% of the male adolescents. Dietary diversity was significantly different between weight categories, but not anemia status. For physical activity, those taking transportation to school were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese. In adjusted multivariable Poisson regression analyses, only the DDS was significantly associated with thinness and both thinness and anemia, while taking transportation to school was significantly associated with overweight among adolescents. CONCLUSION: We encourage the promotion of school‐based interventions and provision of a curriculum on health and healthy eating in order to reduce obesity, anemia, and its comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Low‐income and racial/ethnic minority students often face distinct challenges in attending school eading to lower academic performance, low graduation rates, and overall, an indicator of diminished long‐term social and financial stability. Chronic absenteeism is a national problem and to address this, a better understanding of risks and points of intervention for the students most at risk is needed. This cross‐sectional study sought to assess risks and protective factors associated with chronic absenteeism in a predominantly low‐income minority school district in Southern. METHODS: Conducted in southern California, students (N = 24,439) ages 9 to 21 years were recruited. A logistic regression was used to assess the role poor physical and mental health, safety, bullying, and family risk factors attributed to chronic absenteeism. RESULTS: Results revealed that asthma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.35, p <.001), being overweight/obese (OR = 1.38, p <.01), presence of family risk factors (OR = 1.49, p <.001), bullying (OR = 0.84, p <.05) and perceptions of safety at school (OR = 1.24, p <.05) increased the odds of chronic absenteeism, while protective factors such as support (OR = 1.30, p <.001), increased sleep (OR = 0.96, p <.001) and positive growth mindset (OR = 0.96, p <.001), mitigated it. CONCLUSION: This study not only identifies risk but protective factors worth adhering to, to promote school attendance. Future research should further examine the role of mental health in chronic absenteeism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Little is known regarding youth perceptions of tap water and school water fountains and how these relate to water and sugar-sweetened beverage ( SSB) intake. METHODS We used national 2010 YouthStyles data to assess perceptions of tap water and school water fountains and associations with water and SSB intake. RESULTS Nearly 1 in 5 participants disagreed their tap water was safe and nearly 2 in 5 disagreed school water fountains were clean and safe. Perceived tap water risk was more prevalent among non-Hispanic ( NH) Blacks (26.4%) and Hispanics (28.3%) compared with NH Whites (14.7%, p < .001) and more prevalent among lower-income youth. Negative water fountain perceptions were more common among high school-aged youth. Perceived tap water risk was not associated with SSB intake (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.0, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 0.6, 1.5) or water intake ( OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 0.9, 2.1). Negative water fountain perceptions were associated with SSB intake only among Hispanics (race/ethnicity interaction p < .001; OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3, 6.6) but were not associated with water intake. CONCLUSION Negative perceptions of tap water and water fountains among youth are common and should be considered in efforts to provide water in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]