Methods for a Survey of Overweight and Obesity Coordinated With Oral Health Surveillance Among Ohio Third-Grade Students
2009

Survey of Overweight and Obesity in Ohio Third-Grade Students

Sample size: 14551 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Conrey Elizabeth J. PhD, RD, Hade Erinn M. MS, Norton Angela MS, Scarpitti Heidi RD

Primary Institution: Ohio Department of Health

Hypothesis

How can we effectively collect data on overweight and obesity among third-grade students in Ohio?

Conclusion

The Ohio Department of Health successfully implemented overweight and obesity surveillance by adding BMI screening to the oral health survey with minimal resources.

Supporting Evidence

  • 374 schools agreed to participate in the height and weight screening.
  • 15,209 students provided consent for BMI screening.
  • 14,451 students had valid BMI data calculated.

Takeaway

This study looked at how many third graders in Ohio are overweight or obese by measuring their height and weight during a health survey.

Methodology

A stratified, cluster-sampling survey design was used to measure the height and weight of third-grade students in selected public elementary schools.

Potential Biases

The low student response rate may introduce bias if non-participating students differ in characteristics from those who participated.

Limitations

Not all selected schools participated, and the health profiles of non-participating students may differ from those who participated.

Participant Demographics

Third-grade students from public elementary schools in Ohio, with data collected on sex, ethnicity, and race.

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