Prevalence and Correlates of Overweight and Obesity among Preschool-Aged Children in San Luis Obispo County, 2006-2014

Kristine Z. Jankovitz; Alison K. Ventura; Trevor M. Curry; Victoria B. Howarth; Caitlin C. Moran; Robin M. Mertens; Leland A. Bailey; Kristen Thompson; Karen McGaughey

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v16i1.2125

Kristine Z. Jankovitz Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Alison K. Ventura Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Trevor M. Curry Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Victoria B. Howarth Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Caitlin C. Moran Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Robin M. Mertens Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Leland A. Bailey Department of Statistics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Kristen Thompson Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Karen McGaughey Department of Statistics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v16i1.2125

Abstract

Background and Purpose: National prevalence of overweight and obesity (OW/OB) among children remains high; surveillance of OW/OB at state- and local-levels is needed. This study determines the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of OW/OB among preschool-age children in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County. Methods: Cross-sectional convenience samples of Head Start, California State, and private preschools were surveyed in 2006 (n=482), 2009/10 (n=559), and 2014 (n=442). At all waves, preschool children aged 3-5 years were measured for height and weight using standardized stadiometer and digital scale protocols. In 2014, parents completed a demographics questionnaire. Results: Children assessed in 2009/10 and 2014 were more likely to be OW/OB than those assessed in 2006 (p=0.016). Unadjusted, bivariate odds ratios illustrated increased risk for OW/OB was associated with Hispanic ethnicity, residing in a lower income household, attending preschool in southern SLO County, and participation in a Head Start preschool. In the adjusted, multivariable model, increased risk for OW/OB was associated with attending preschool in SLO City and participation in a California State or Head Start preschool. Conclusion: OW/OB trends in SLO County are similar to national trends. Programs to continue to monitor and reduce socioeconomic disparity in OW/OB prevalence among young children are needed.