The Food Behavior Considerations, Physical Activity Behavior Patterns, and Body Composition Indices of Adolescents in Puerto Rico
Author Info Vigo-Valentin, Alexander
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http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1219429985
Year and Degree
2008, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, ED Physical Activities and Educational Services.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine and describe the food behavior considerations, physical activity behavior patterns, and the body composition indices of school-age adolescents living in Puerto Rico. Participants were from public middle and high schools in Puerto Rico and their age ranged from 11 to 18 years. This study was based on a secondary data analysis of pre-existing data. Results of this study showed that adolescents in Puerto Rico were exhibiting food behaviors and physical activity behavior patterns that were challenging the accomplishment of healthy lifestyles. Specifically, there was a low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fish, while most of the adolescents in Puerto Rico tend to consume soft and sweetened drinks, fried foods, and baked sweets which are behaviors that may increase the risk of health related conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Moreover, it was found that a significant proportion of adolescents in Puerto Rico were not meeting the daily physical activity recommendations (Healthy People, 2010, USDHH, 2006) for adolescents and were either at risk of being overweight or overweight. These results suggest a need to develop wellness and physical activity interventions at school settings, communities, and the development of new regulations and policies by the local government focusing on attacking the overweight rates in Puerto Rico among adolescents, which are consistently higher than those reported for adolescents in the United States of America.
Committee
Samuel Hodge, PhD (Advisor)
Adrienne Dixson, PhD (Committee Member)
Jacqueline Monroe, PhD (Committee Member)