Multimethod analyses of discretionary time use and health behaviors among urban low-income african-american adolescents: a pilot study Journal Article

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Authors: Bohnert, A.; Burdette, K.; Dugas, L; Travers, L.; Randall, E.; Richards, M.; Luke, A
Article Title: Multimethod analyses of discretionary time use and health behaviors among urban low-income african-american adolescents: a pilot study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this pilot study was to examine the relations between discretionary time (DT) social context, health behaviors (dietary intake and physical activity), and body mass index (BMI) in a sample of urban low-income African-American early adolescents. METHODS: Multiple methods were used, including accelerometers, 24-hour dietary recalls, anthropometric measurements, and Experience Sampling Method (ESM). Participants included 9 boys (mean = 12.9 years) and 16 girls (mean = 12.9 years). Sixteen participants were at a healthy weight (10 girls and 6 boys), and 9 were overweight or obese (5 girls and 3 boys). RESULTS: Eighth graders had higher BMI z scores, engaged in less healthful eating during DT, and spent less time in vigorous exercise in DT than sixth graders. Participants spent the majority of DT with siblings, which was associated with increased light physical activity as measured by accelerometers. The ESM data suggested that adolescents engaged in increased physical activity and decreased sedentary activity when with peers but increased sedentary activity when with parents. Increased percentage of DT spent with parents was associated with increased daily fat intake. Data also indicate high consumption of unhealthy foods across all DT social contexts and activities. CONCLUSIONS: Peers may provide a protective social context with regard to obesity-related health behaviors. Targeting changes in health behaviors during the middle school years may be an effective means of decreasing obesity risk among urban African-American adolescents. Interventions for urban African-American early adolescents may benefit from facilitating physical activity with peers and targeting change in family health behaviors.
Journal Title: Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP
Volume: 34
Issue: 8
ISSN: 1536-7312; 0196-206X
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: United States
Date Published: 2013
Start Page: 589
End Page: 598
Language: eng
DOI/URL:

10.1097/DBP.0b013e3182a5d297

10.1097/DBP.0b013e3182a5d297
Notes: JID: 8006933; ppublish