Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Egondu R. Onyejekwe

Abstract

Obesity is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders in children in the United States. There are many factors associated with childhood obesity, but there is limited information about the association between family structure and childhood obesity. This quantitative retrospective cross-sectional study, guided by the Social Ecological Model, was carried out to identify the effect of family structure on childhood obesity. For this study, the 2017 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) of children 6-13 years old residing in the state of New Jersey was analyzed. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between family structure and obesity, and a Chi-square test of independence was used to analyze the relationship between the independent variables. There was statistically significant association between family structure and childhood obesity χ2 (16) = 482.90, p < .001. This study's findings can impact positive social change by encouraging further studies leading to quality improvement in the management of childhood obesity. Moreover, the results could encourage public health professionals to design and implement effective childhood obesity management programs addressing clinical and psychosocial services needed to improve the knowledge and management of childhood obesity.

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