The Associations of Parenting Factors with Adolescent Body Mass Index in an Underserved Population. (15th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schneider, Elizabeth M.; Wilson, Dawn K.; Kitzman-Ulrich, Heather; George, Sara M. St.; Alia, Kassandra A.
• Other Names: Majdzadeh Reza Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of obesity. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-05-15
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; Obesity; Obesity; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.398
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/715618
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-0708

Abstract

Abstract : Background . The current study examined parental factors related to risk of adolescent obesity within the context of a family systems framework. Methods . Seventy predominantly African American, low-income caregiver-adolescent dyads participated in the study. Validated measures of parental perceived child risk for development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, parental limit setting for sedentary behavior, and parental nurturance were evaluated as predictors of adolescent body mass index. Results . In this cross-sectional study, multiple linear regression demonstrated that parents of adolescents with higher zBMI reported worrying more about their child's risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Parent limit setting was also a significant predictor of adolescent zBMI. Contrary to expectations, higher levels of nurturance were associated with higher adolescent zBMI. Post hoc analyses revealed a trend towards a significant interaction between nurturance and limit setting, such that high levels of both parental nurturance and limit setting were associated with lower adolescent zBMI. Conclusions . Current findings suggest the importance of authoritative parenting and monitoring of adolescent health behaviors in the treatment of obesity.