Obesity and Overweight Rates in Mississippi Preschoolers
Author Information
Author(s): Bonnie L. Harbaugh, Jerome R. Kolbo, Elaine F. Molaison, Geoffrey M. Hudson, Lei Zhang, Danyell Wells
Primary Institution: University of Southern Mississippi
Hypothesis
What are the rates of overweight and obesity among low-income preschoolers in Mississippi in 2010 compared to 2005?
Conclusion
The study found that obesity rates among Mississippi low-income preschoolers have stabilized from 2005 to 2010, with a significant decline in obesity rates for 3-year-olds.
Supporting Evidence
- Obesity rates for 3-year-olds decreased from 20.3% in 2005 to 13.1% in 2010.
- Overall obesity rates remained stable at around 20.8% from 2005 to 2010.
- Significant differences in obesity rates were found between boys and girls in 2010.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many preschool kids in Mississippi are overweight or obese and found that the numbers haven't changed much over five years, except for younger kids who are doing better now.
Methodology
The study used a two-stage stratified randomized probability sample to assess the heights and weights of preschoolers in 2010 and compared them to data from 2005.
Potential Biases
Subgroup analyses by race and gender may not be reliable due to small sample sizes.
Limitations
The study's timing and historical context, including the impact of Hurricane Katrina, may have affected the results.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 53% boys and 47% girls, with 86% black, 9% white, and 4% Hispanic preschoolers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.035
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website