ARS | Publication request: MATERNAL EMPLOYMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND THE RISK OF OVERWEIGHT IN ADOLESCENCE

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 8, 2004
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Childhood obesity is still on the rise, reaching 15% in 1999-2000. Low socioeconomic status has been identified as a risk factor, with lack of money to buy nutritious food being one explanation. Added to this disadvantage may be under-investment in children by employed mothers with limited time for shopping and preparing nutritionally balanced meals. This study will evaluate: 1) whether maternal employment in infancy and early childhood predicts being overweight in adolescence, and 2) whether the effect of maternal employment on adolescent obesity is more pronounced among low-SES households. Data come from women in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and their children. Using logistic regression models with interactive terms of mother's employment and indicators of household SES predicting adolescent obesity, we will identify disadvantaged groups in which maternal employment may pose additional risks of obesity. Supported by USDA, ARS Project #6251-53000-004-00D.