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.
Kubik
Martha Y
MY
University of Minnesota, School of Nursing, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. kubik002@umn.edu
Davey
Cynthia
C
Fulkerson
Jayne A
JA
Sirard
John
J
Story
Mary
M
Arcan
Chrisa
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012574:Schools; D012931:Social Environment; D013334:Students; D055815:Young Adult