Prevalence Estimates of Overweight in Head Start Preschoolers

Harbaugh, Bonnie L.; Bounds, Wendy; Kolbo, Jerome; Molaison, Elaine; Zhang, Lei

doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2008.05.001

« Previous Next »Journal of Pediatric Nursing
Volume 24, Issue 5 , Pages 350-359, October 2009

Prevalence Estimates of Overweight in Head Start Preschoolers

Department of Child and Family Nursing, College of Health, the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS

Nutrition and Food Systems, College of Health, the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS

Social Work, College of Health, the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS

Health Services Data Unit, Mississippi Department of Health, Hattiesburg, MS

published online 29 October 2008.

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.

Key words: Preschool child, Health promotion, Overweight, Obesity, Prevalence study, Head Start