Racial/ethnic minority children recently placed in the child welfare system: the impact of sociodemographic, medical and mental health factors on overweight /obesity. (8th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rao, Sheela; Deavenport-Saman, Alexis; Rafeedie, Jennifer; Solomon, Olga; Imagawa, Karen Kay; Rogers, Karen; Orliss, Micah; Roberts, Suzanne; Hudson, Sharon M.
• Is Part Of: Social work in health care. Volume 59:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 499
• Page End: 512
• Publication Date: 2020-08-08
• Subjects: Child welfare system -- recent placement -- toxic stress -- race/ethnicity -- medical and mental health factors -- childhood obesity; Medical social work -- Periodicals; 362.10425
• DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2020.1797978
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0098-1389

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Children in the child welfare system have greater rates of obesity and are more prone to overweight/obesity as adults compared to other children. There is limited research on how ecological, biological and developmental factors impact the trajectory of overweight/obesity in this group. This retrospective study examined these factors among children entering the child welfare system. Overweight/obesity was highest among children 12–18 years. Children with diagnoses indicative of poor nutrition, and limiting exercise, were more likely to be overweight/obese. Ecological risks often were not disclosed. Barriers to obtaining information to address overweight/obesity reflect challenges to addressing chronic disease more broadly.