Date of Conferral

9-19-2024

Date of Award

September 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

James Rohrer

Abstract

Childhood obesity has become a critical global public health concern due to its significant, long-term impact on overall quality of life and physical health. Despite efforts, there is a lack of information that includes all races and ages to combat childhood obesity. This study addressed the association between race and obesity after controlling for dietary behaviors among adolescents in Georgia, using quantitative cross-sectional data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Guided by the social ecological model, the research investigated how demographic factors and dietary behaviors influence obesity rates. Specifically, the study explored the association between age, race, gender, and dietary behaviors as predictors of obesity. The analysis employed a chi-square test and crosstabs to evaluate these associations. The study revealed that Black or African American adolescents have the highest obesity rates, with an odds ratio of 2.70 compared to White adolescents, indicating that they are approximately 2.70 times more likely to be obese. Hispanic adolescents also had higher obesity rates, with an odds ratio of 2.38 compared to their White peers. No significant difference was observed between adolescents categorized as all other races and White race. These findings emphasize the need for targeted public health interventions addressing socioeconomic and environmental factors, focusing on culturally tailored strategies. By identifying critical predictors of obesity, the study may facilitate meaningful social change and promote healthier lifestyles among adolescents. Addressing these factors could lead to improved health outcomes and contribute to reducing health problems in this population.

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