Full Citation

Title: A latent class analysis of weight-related health behaviors among 2- and 4-year college students and associated risk of obesity

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2014

ISBN:

ISSN: 1552-6127; 1090-1981

DOI: 10.1177/1090198114537062 [doi]

NSFID:

PMCID: PMC5051694

PMID: 24990599

Abstract: Little is known about the complex patterning of weight-related health behaviors in 2- and 4-year college students. The objective of this study was to identify and describe unique classes of weight-related health behaviors among college students. Latent class analysis was used to identify homogenous, mutually exclusive classes of nine health behaviors that represent multiple theoretically/clinically relevant dimensions of obesity risk among 2- versus 4-year college students using cross-sectional statewide surveillance data (N = 17,584). Additionally, differences in class membership on selected sociodemographic characteristics were examined using a model-based approach. Analysis was conducted separately for both college groups, and five and four classes were identified for 2- and 4-year college students, respectively. Four classes were similar across 2- and 4-year college groups and were characterized as "mostly healthy dietary habits, active"; "moderately high screen time, active"; "moderately healthy dietary habits, inactive"; and "moderately high screen time, inactive." "Moderately healthy dietary habits, high screen time" was the additional class unique to 2-year college students. These classes differed on a number of sociodemographic characteristics, including the proportion in each class who were classified as obese. Implications for prevention scientists and future intervention programs are considered.

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Mathur, C; Stigler, M; Lust, Katherine; Laska, Melissa Nelson

Periodical (Full): Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education

Issue: 6

Volume: 41

Pages: 663-1334

Countries: