Assessment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors, Health Behaviors, and Beliefs of Black Adolescents in South Florida

Authors

Tienna A. Fenton, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Public Health

First Advisor's Name

Elena Bastida

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Catherine Coccia

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Jessy Dévieux

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Michelle Hospital

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Broward County, African American, high school students, YRBS, physical education, physical activity

Date of Defense

6-5-2023

Abstract

In the U.S., the prevalence of children and adolescents with obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has dramatically increased throughout the years. Black adolescents, specifically, are disproportionately affected by obesity and its many comorbidities, including T2DM. Numerous factors contribute to the rising childhood obesity and diabetes rates, including physical inactivity, poor diet, and weight misperception. A sequential, explanatory mixed-method approach was used to 1) assess 10-year trends in T2DM risk factors, 2) examine the association between body weight misperception and health behaviors, and 3) explore perceptions, beliefs, and influences regarding health behaviors in Black adolescents (n=38) in Broward County, Florida.

Results from the quantitative analysis of the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey (YRBS) found that from 2009 to 2019, there was no significant change in the prevalence of physical activity (PA) engagement. However, on average, physical education (PE) class attendance decreased significantly to less than one day of attendance in 2019. Additionally, sedentary behaviors such as excessive television viewing decreased, and excessive video gaming and computer usage increased. Secondly, using the YRBS data from 2019, we found that 44.8% of Black adolescents misperceived their weight status, with males more often misperceiving their body weight. Students who misperceived their weight were more likely to try to lose weight but less likely to be physically active. Finally, qualitative results suggest that key factors contributing to physical activity in adolescents included their 1) attitudes, 2) subjective norms, and 3) perceived control beliefs.

Together these results indicate a need for action towards improving health behaviors and T2D prevention measures in the Black adolescent population. Given the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity in Black adolescents in South Florida, it is imperative to use the learnings from this study to allow youth the opportunities to inform the development and implementation of relevant health initiatives. Public health practitioners, healthcare providers, school administrators, and legislators can utilize this study’s findings to implement successful obesity prevention interventions and programs at the local level.

Identifier

FIDC011106

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8773-6592

Recommended Citation

Fenton, Tienna A., "Assessment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors, Health Behaviors, and Beliefs of Black Adolescents in South Florida" (2023). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5336.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5336