Alternative high school students: prevalence and correlates of overweight.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and correlates of overweight among adolescents attending alternative high schools (AHS). METHODS: AHS students (n=145) from 6 schools completed surveys and anthropometric measures. Cross-sectional associations were assessed using mixed model multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among students, 42% were overweight, with female, low-income and racial/ethnic minorities disproportionately affected. The odds of being overweight were significantly associated with self-described health status, social support, family meals, intentions to eat healthy at school, and use of healthy weight management strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight was prevalent among AHS students and requires further study. Correlates provide targets for future research.

Duke Scholars

Author Mary T Story Family Medicine and Community Health