Questions from In-Text Case Studies, UNCN 7E

Questions from In-Text Case Studies, CNA:EA 4e

Chapter 4: Principles of Epidemiology

Title: Epidemiology of Obesity

Questions: Foundation: Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills 1. Define epidemiology. 2. What are the U.S. standards for defining overweight and obesity in the pediatric population? Compare the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) definition of at risk of overweight and overweight in the pediatric population (see www.aap.org/obesity) to the definition of childhood obesity given by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Go to www.iom.edu and view: Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance, 2005, or www.iom.edu/object.file/master/22/606/0.pdf to see: Childhood Obesity in the U.S.: Facts and Figures.

Step 1: Identify Relevant Information and Uncertainties 1. Go to www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/databriefs/adultweight.pdf and outline the trends of overweight and obesity from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys: NHANES II, NHANES III and NHANES 1999–2000. 2. Go to www.nhlbi.nih.gov/meetings/workshops/hispanic.htm and scroll down to Obesity and Physical Activity. What is the prevalence of obesity among Mexican Americans? 3. What are some of the determinants of obesity in the Hispanic population that may be relevant to your target population? Use the websites above and other resources relevant to your target population. 4. What are some of the uncertainties not presented in the data or the case?

Step 2: Interpret Information 1. Communicate, in a memo to your agency supervisor, that you wish to begin a program on overweight prevention for preschool-aged Mexican-American children. To support your program, include a brief review of recent epidemiologic studies that reveal the national epidemic of obese children and the health risks that may afflict these children, with a special emphasis on data for your target population.

Step 3: Draw and Implement Conclusions 1. Identify the most critical nutritional needs of your target population, and set priorities among them based on the data reviewed and information presented in the case.

Step 4: Engage in Continuous Improvement 1. Outline three major goals for your target population, including intervention strategies that coincide with these goals. What may be some limitations in carrying out your intervention strategies?