Date Available

12-10-2015

Year of Publication

2015

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advisor

Dr. Leslie Scott

Committee Member

Dr. Chizimuzo Okoli

Co-Director of Graduate Studies

Dr. Aurelia Radulescu

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and after-school care use in school age children and adolescents in Kentucky. The specific aims of this study were to examine differences in BMI groups (high versus normal/low) by: a) type and b) extent of after-school care use.

Methods: Parents of children age 5-17 years were administered a 21-item survey which assessed the amount of time their children spent in specific types of after-school care. BMI of the child/adolescent participants were obtained at the time of the survey. High BMI was defined as BMI ≥ 85th percentile.

Results: During weekdays, participants with normal/low BMI more often participated in school clubs and care from grandparents while those with high BMI were more likely to receive care from older siblings and other relatives. Participants with high BMI had more hours of care by other relatives and older siblings on the weekdays and nonresident parents and older siblings on the weekends. The normal/low BMI group had more hours of care by school clubs, babysitters, and grandparents during weekdays and grandparents and other relatives during the weekend.

Conclusion: Providers should assess the type and extent of after-school care patients utilize as part of their well child visit and should recommend school clubs and recommend against care from older siblings and non-parent/grandparent relatives to maintain a healthy BMI. Further studies should evaluate the association between after-school care use and BMI in school age children and adolescents.

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