Date of Graduation

5-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Sociology and Criminal Justice

Advisor/Mentor

Fitzpatrick, Kevin M.

Committee Member

Zajicek, Anna M.

Second Committee Member

Schwab, William A.

Keywords

Social sciences; Adolescent health; BMI; Health disparities; Marshallese; Weight status

Abstract

This study examined the role of sociodemographic characteristics and various Social factors in determining BMI among adolescent high school students. In a sample of 1,493 students at a public high school in Springdale, Arkansas, disparities in body mass index across race/ethnicity, gender, and Social class were assessed. This project also examined risk and protective factors in the individual, peer, and family domains as they contributed to weight status outcomes and disparities. Using a quantitative approach, BMI outcomes were examined in a four-step multiple regression model, considering both main effects and interactions of race/ethnicity, class, and gender, as well as risk and protective factors. Statistical analyses revealed a significant impact of age and gender on BMI, and an intersectional effect of gender and Social class. Additionally, self-esteem and frequent family meals were identified as significant protective factors related to lower BMI scores.

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