Abstract
The prevalence of adolescent overweight and obesity is a major public health concern in the United States. Adolescent populations of low socioeconomic status (LSES) have a higher relationship of becoming obese. Obesity is linked to a lack of physical activity (PA) and poor nutrition. It has also been indicated that technology usage has been suspect to sedentary behavior and weight gain. This study examined the prevalence of OW and OB among ethnicity, PA, nutrition, and technology usage in comparison to health status of LSES 8th grade adolescents attending a charter middle school in Sacramento, CA. A sample of 141 LSES 8th grade adolescents attending a charter middle school in Sacramento, CA was assessed. The School Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey was used in order to analyze the self-reported values of ethnicity, PA, nutrition, and technology usage in comparison to health status using BMI classifications. The gth grade population had a prevalence of OB and OW 50% or more. Each ethnic population rates of OB and OW were high, approximately 50%. All students self-reported high amounts of PA, even the OB and OW students. However, 50% or more of OB and OW students were aware of the recommended amounts of PA. Self-reported values of low vegetable intake (0-2 servings per day) was contradictive to the availability of fresh vegetables in the home. High frequency of water (0-4 servings a day) and soda (0-2 servings a day) was reported among all students. Overall, 25% of OB and OW students reported using technology four hours or more a day. Presented data confirms the high rate of OB and OW among LSES gth grade students enrolled in a charter school in Sacramento, CA. However, overreporting of PA may have occurred which could have led to the prevalence of high values amongst all students. Future research, should consider different strategies to avoid any bias such as the use of activity trackers and mobile diet logs. It is also suggested that due to mobile devices becoming more of a necessity, it would be appropriate to measure the amount of time spent using cell phones in relationship to OB and OW. It is also important to acknowledge gender among adolescents due to possible differences in social desirability.