Weight status and physical activity in third graders with chronic health conditions.
OBJECTIVE
To describe weight status and physical activity levels of children with chronic health conditions and factors associated with high body mass index.


METHODS
Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed on data from a sample of third graders with and without chronic health conditions.


RESULTS
Children with asthma, sensory and physical disabilities were at greater risk than peers for overweight status. Children with chronic health conditions watched more television than peers, and their parents reported poorer physical and mental health. Higher body mass index was associated with physical inactivity, Hispanic ethnicity and living in urban areas, more nonparental care arrangements, fewer siblings, low socioeconomic status, increased television viewing, asthma, and poor parental mental and physical health.


CONCLUSIONS
Results support family-centered care for all children with chronic health conditions, and interventions to increase physical activity in children with asthma, sensory, and physical disabilities.
Gannotti
Mary
M
Physical Therapy Department, University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117, USA. gannotti@hartford.edu
Veneri
Diana
D
Roberts
Dawn
D
D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires