Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-28-2021
Abstract
Background: The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) collects data on American youth primarily for assessing various health risk factors. This study aims to examine the relationship between demographic, and behavioral variables that we have considered as risk factors and obesity in American youth in 2015 and 2019.
Methods: Data pertaining to obesity risk factors and BMI measurements were obtained from the YRBSS. Cross Tables and linear regression models were constructed and subsequent analyses were used to examine the correlation between risk factors and BMI. Two-sample t-tests were used to explore the difference between the 2015 and 2019 datasets.
Results: Race and ethnicity were found to be significantly associated with a change in BMI from 2015 to 2019 alongside other behavioral risk factors such as fruit consumption, skipping breakfast, physical activity, involvement in sporting teams, sleeping hours, and academic performance.
Conclusions: BMI is significantly affected by various risk factors. Ensuing research should examine the association of more factors with BMI.
Recommended Citation
Dali, Animesh '24 and Shifa, Naima, "A Comparison Study among the High School Students in the US: Obesity and Overweight Rates among Racial Minorities—Stress, Dietary Behavior, Sports and Physical Activity Participation" (2021). Student Research. 57, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/studentresearchother/57
