Prevalence Estimates of Overweight in Head Start Preschoolers
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2009
School
Child and Family Studies
Abstract
This study estimates prevalence of overweight and at risk of overweight among low-income predominately non-Hispanic Black Head Start Mississippi preschoolers. A two-stage stratified probability design produced a representative sample of 1,250 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years. Height, weight, age, gender, and race data were obtained. The prevalence of overweight (20.6%) and at risk of overweight (17.9%) combined was 38.5%. Moreover, highest rates were found in boys, non-Hispanic Blacks, and 5-year-olds. The prevalence of overweight in Mississippi Head Start children exceeds national averages, reinforcing the need for early-childhood health promotion and prevention. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Title
Journal of Pediatric Nursing
Volume
24
Issue
5
First Page
350
Last Page
359
Recommended Citation
Harbaugh, B.,
Bounds, W.,
Kolbo, J.,
Molaison, E.,
Zhang, L.
(2009). Prevalence Estimates of Overweight in Head Start Preschoolers. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 24(5), 350-359.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/21165