ERIC Number: EJ929210
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1499-4046
EISSN: N/A
Location of Food Stores Near Schools Does Not Predict the Weight Status of Maine High School Students
Harris, David E.; Blum, Janet Whatley; Bampton, Matthew; O'Brien, Liam M.; Beaudoin, Christina M.; Polacsek, Michele; O'Rourke, Karen A.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, v43 n4 p274-278 Jul-Aug 2011
Objective: To examine the relationship between stores selling calorie-dense food near schools and student obesity risk, with the hypothesis that high availability predicts increased risk. Methods: Mail surveys determined height, weight, and calorie-dense food consumption for 552 students at 11 Maine high schools. Driving distance from all food stores within 2 km (1.24 miles) of schools (or the closest store) was computed, and the impact of food store density and proximity to schools on student body mass index was determined by logistic regression. Results: Ten schools had greater than or equal to 1 store selling soda, and 8 schools had greater than or equal to 1 fast-food restaurant within 1 km (0.62 miles). There were no significant relationships between the proximity or density of food stores around schools and student obesity risk. Students obtained sugar-sweetened beverages in many locations including at school. Conclusions and Implications: Unhealthful food choices are ubiquitous. Consequently, stores selling these food items near schools have no significant affect on student obesity. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Proximity, Obesity, Body Composition, Mail Surveys, High School Students, Risk, Nutrition, Food, Eating Habits, Child Health, Health Promotion, Body Weight, Predictor Variables, Correlation, Student Surveys
Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Maine
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A