Postpartum Teens' Perception of the Food Environments at Home and School.

Background: An environment that supports healthy eating is one factor to prevent obesity. However, little is known about postpartum teen's perceptions of their home and school environments and how this relates to dietary behaviors.

Purpose: This study explores the relationship between home and school environments and dietary behaviors for postpartum teens.

A group randomized controlled trial integrating obesity prevention and control for postpartum adolescents in a home visiting program.

Background: Adolescence represents a critical period for the development of overweight that tracks into adulthood. This risk is significantly heightened for adolescents that become pregnant, many of whom experience postpartum weight retention. The aim of this study was to evaluate Balance Adolescent Lifestyle Activities and Nutrition Choices for Energy (BALANCE), a multicomponent obesity prevention intervention targeting postpartum adolescents participating in a national home visiting child development-parent education program.

Influence of home and school environments on specific dietary behaviors among postpartum, high-risk teens, 27 States, 2007-2009.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine whether perceptions of the home and school food environments are related to food and beverage intakes of postpartum teens.

Methods: Our study was a baseline, cross-sectional analysis of 853 postpartum teens enrolled in a weight-loss intervention study across 27 states from 2007 through 2009. Eight-item scales assessed perceived accessibility and availability of foods and beverages in school and home environments.

Preventing childhood obesity through state policy. Predictors of bill enactment.

Background: To address the epidemic of childhood obesity, health professionals are examining policies that address obesogenic environments; however, there has been little systematic examination of state legislative efforts in childhood obesity prevention. Using a policy research framework, this study sought to identify factors that predict successful enactment of childhood obesity prevention in all 50 states.

Methods: A legislative scan of bills introduced during 2003-2005 in all 50 states identified 717 bills related to childhood obesity prevention.

The role of religiosity in dietary beliefs and behaviors among urban African American women.

The relationship between religiosity and health has been investigated in many studies, with most finding positive associations. However, little is known about the role of religiosity in dietary factors, particularly among African American women. We used a self-administered questionnaire to examine the association between religiosity and dietary beliefs and behaviors among African American women.

Children's physical activity: using accelerometers to validate a parent proxy record.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to validate a parent proxy record of children's physical activity with CSA Model 7164 accelerometers.

Methods: A parent proxy record was developed to record children's activity after school on weekdays and all day long on weekends for 7 d. Parents recorded both duration and intensity of activity (light, medium, hard and very hard).