Overweight Among Low-income Texas Preschoolers Aged 2 to 4 Years

Abstract 

Objective

Determine child/maternal factors associated with overweight among 2- to 4-year-olds enrolled in the Texas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Design

Matched child and maternal data collected by self-report of the mother during WIC certification. These data were extracted from existing statewide WIC databases and merged.

Setting

Texas WIC children aged 2 to 4 years in April 2006.

Participants

Final sample was 22,837 mother–child dyads.

Main Outcome Measure

Dependent variable—child overweight; independent variables: Child-related—gender, age, race/ethnicity, Medicaid status, living area, and dental problems; Maternal-related—certification status, age, times certified, overweight, high maternal weight gain, and gestational diabetes.

Analysis

Bivariate relationships at P < .05 were included in the logistic regression.

Results

Living in a nonborder urban area associated with greater odds of overweight compared to living in a border area. Mother's overweight, high gestational weight gain, and gestational diabetes associated with greater odds of child overweight.

Conclusions and Implications

Several child- and maternal-related factors were found to be associated with overweight in Texas WIC preschoolers. Health interventions should target 4-year-old Hispanic children living in nonborder urban areas and mothers who are overweight, have high gestational weight gain, or have gestational diabetes.

Key Words: Hispanic, preschool, overweight, Southwestern United States, Mexico, nutrition education, WIC