The association between church attendance and obesity-related lifestyle behaviours among New Zealand adolescents from different Pacific Island ethnic groups Research Completed

Title

The association between church attendance and obesity-related lifestyle behaviours among New Zealand adolescents from different Pacific Island ethnic groups

Lead Author

Ofa A. Dewes , Robert Scragg, C. Raina Elley

Organisation(s)

School of Population Health, University of Auckland

Publication Year

2013

Publisher

Journal of Primary Health Care, 5(4), 290–300

Contacts

School of Population Health, University of Auckland

Abstract

This study identified and described the risk factors for and protective factors against obesity among Pacific Island adolescents who attend church and compared them with Pacific Island adolescents who do not attend church. This study found that church attendees had a higher mean body mass index (BMI) compared with non-attendees adjusted for age, gender and Pacific Island ethnicity. The weight status of attendees was associated with less healthy breakfast and lunch sources, lower levels of physical activity, and limited knowledge of the risk factors for obesity.

Keywords:

Church attendance, risk factors, protective factors, obesity

How to access

Areas of Focus

Population Groups

Settings (location)

Topics

Views

1916

Added

December 4, 2013