No Association between Obesity and Behavior in Low-income, Preschool Latino Children

Abstract

Background The relationship between behavioral problems and obesity in early childhood in Latinos is largely unknown. Methods Cross-sectional anthropometric and behavioral data of children at three years of age were gathered from a cohort of 174 children of Latina mothers at two San Francisco hospitals. Child behaviors were assessed using the preschool Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/11/2–5). Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between behavior and obesity. Results At three years, 27.7% were obese. There were no associations between affective (OR = 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–8.59), anxiety (OR = 1.86; 95% CI 0.53–6.47), pervasive developmental (OR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.13–1.36), attention deficit hyperactivity (OR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.12–2.76), or oppositional defiant (OR = 6.49; 95% CI 0.65–64.49) problems and obesity. Conclusions Though psychological problems and obesity are associated among older children and adolescents, there was no association in Latino three-year olds in a low-income sample.

Food insecurity is associated with maternal depression and child pervasive developmental symptoms in low-income Latino households

“…Full details of recruitment and enrollment are described in previous studies using the cohort. 15–18 Maternal exclusion criteria included drug or alcohol abuse, pre-existing diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus treated with insulin, polycystic ovary syndrome, an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or any health problems that would influence breast-feeding. Diabetics who were taking insulin or had any contraindications for breastfeeding were excluded.…”

“…Maternal mental health and child behavior problems were assessed using measures that have been validated in Spanish speaking populations. 16,18 We provided nutrition information, small gifts for the baby on delivery, and transportation vouchers to meet follow-up interviews.…”

The influence of preschoolers' emotional and behavioural problems on obesity treatment outcomes: Secondary findings from a randomized controlled trial

“…Moreover, a Dutch research group found that among children aged 8 to 14 years (n = 248), lower BMI z‐score at baseline and higher social competence were associated with obesity treatment success at a younger age and with less somatic complaints . In contrast, a cross‐sectional study based in the United States with mothers of children aged 3 years of Latino and low‐income background (n = 174) found no association between emotional problems and obesity . To have further understandings of how emotional and behavioural problems may be associated with childhood obesity treatment, we decided to include the CBCL among the measurements in our RCT.…”

“…24 In contrast, a cross-sectional study based in the United States with mothers of children aged 3 years of Latino and lowincome background (n = 174) found no association between emotional problems and obesity. 25 To have further understandings of how emotional and behavioural problems may be associated with childhood obesity treatment, we decided to include the CBCL among the measurements in our RCT.…”