Scheduled for AAHE Research Coordinating Board: Professional Poster Session, Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall, National Association Poster Sessions


Culturally Diverse Teenage Diet and Physical Activity Patterns

Barbara Hernandez, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX

Research has shown that well-designed, well-implemented school programs can effectively promote health and physical activity. However, seventy-percent of overweight teens become overweight adults – facing risks for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancers. Less than 25% of adolescents eat enough fruits and vegetables and 1/3 aren't physically active (CDC, 2006). The percentage of overweight adolescents tripled recently. The purpose of the investigation was to determine if the dietary and physical activity patterns of a convenience sample (N= 100) of culturally diverse high school students, ages 16-18, met the recommended U.S.D.A. guidelines (2007). Male and female volunteers completed diet and physical activity self-report logs from the “My Pyramid Worksheet”. Data was collected and recorded on the variables of physical activity, food type and serving size, gender, age, and race, utilizing descriptive statistics. Results indicated that 30% of the participants did not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines of > 30 minutes per day and 54% of the participants did not meet the recommended dietary guidelines. Students were deficient in milk, fruits, & vegetables. There were no differences in variables comparing race. It is recommended that high school systems assess student health needs and implement exemplary, comprehensive, and coordinated school health and physical education programs. Assessing the school's health policies and programs, developing a plan for improvement, and developing a School Health Advisory Committee are additional recommendations. School systems promoting health enhancing behaviors in culturally diverse students can help all teens understanding the importance of healthy weight and lifestyle and increase lifetime health literacy by creating an action plan for their school.


Keyword(s): health education K-12, nutrition, physical education PK-12

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