Date of Award

1-1-2004

Embargo Period

1-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College

College of Graduate Studies

First Advisor

Dan Lackland

Abstract

Background: Rates of CVD are higher among African Americans compared to whites and natives of South Carolina and the Southeast compared to non-natives. Obesity, a CVD risk factor, is also known to be more prevalent in African Americans compared to whites. Ethnic differences in body image are thought to play a role in the higher rates of obesity among African Americans compared to whites. This study investigated the prevalence of CVD risk factors and body image in an at risk population, African American adolescents primarily from the state of South Carolina. Research Design and Methods: Students were given a Health and Behavior Survey, addressing health conditions and health behaviors. The prevalence of CVD factors was estimated. Differences in body image were examined among students of different sizes. Results: The prevalence of hypertension, high, cholesterol, diabetes and smoking were low among the study participants. The prevalence of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity was 37.7% and 43.2%. Females whose body sizes were overweight or obese reported being dissatisfied with their current body size but overweight males were not dissatisfied with their current body size. The female's ideal size corresponds to normal weight while the male's ideal corresponds to overweight. Females were more likely to report weight loss efforts compare to males. Conclusions: The assessment of cardiovascular disease risk is feasible in this study population. Physical inactivity was the most prevalent CVD risk factor among this group followed by overweight/obesity. Females were not satisfied with body sizes above normal and did not have ideals above normal. Those who reported being larger than normal were likely to be involved in efforts to lose weight. Males, on the other hand, were satisfied with being overweight and less likely to report current weight loss efforts. The high rates of obesity among African American females may be attributed to lack of knowledge on weight loss practices and not likely due to a lack of concern.

Rights

All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Copyright is held by the author.

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