Social Connectedness, Physical Distancing, and Anxiety in Complying with Shelter-In-Place Orders and Advisories during the Once-In-A-Century COVID-19 Pandemic in the US: A Study of Social Media and Internet Users.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of 20 October 2020, the virus had infected 8,202,552 people, with 220,061 deaths in US, and in countries around the world, over 38 million people have become infected and over one million have died. The virus usually spreads via respiratory droplets from an infected person. At the time of compiling this paper, while countries around the world are still striving to find a "pharmaceutical intervention (PI)", including treatments and vaccines, they are left with only "non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)", such as physical distancing, wearing masks, and maintaining personal hygiene. In the US, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five US territories issued mandatory stay-at-home orders between March 1 and 31 May 2020 to lower the risk of virus transmission. This study empirically examined how social connectedness and anxiety interact with shelter-in-place compliance and advisories during the pandemic. The study collected information from 494 adults using an online survey during April and July 2020.

Health Burden and Service Utilization in Texas Medicaid Deliveries from the Prenatal Period to 1 Year Postpartum.

OBJECTIVE: To describe health burden and health service utilization from the prenatal period to 1 year postpartum among women with births covered by Texas Medicaid, focusing on the major contributors to maternal mortality after 60 days postpartum in Texas. METHODS: We analyzed diagnoses and health service utilization during the prenatal, early postpartum (5-60 days postpartum), and late postpartum (> 60 days to 1 year postpartum) periods, using administrative medical claims data for women ages 18-44 years with a Medicaid-paid delivery in 2017 residing in selected regions in Texas (n = 49,302). RESULTS: Overall, 12.6% and 17.5% of women had diagnoses of cardiovascular/coronary conditions and substance use disorder, respectively. Mental health conditions affected 30% of women, with anxiety (47.1%) and depression (34.3%) accounting for the greatest proportion of diagnosed mental health conditions. The prevalence of these conditions was higher during the late (19.4%) versus early (9.9%) postpartum period. About 47.8% of women had other chronic health conditions, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Among women with the selected health conditions, utilization of any health services was higher during the prenatal period compared to early and late postpartum periods (e.g., any mental health service utilization: prenatal period (57.4%) versus early postpartum (26.9%) and late postpartum (25.5%) periods). However, among women with the selected health conditions, there was a high utilization of emergency room services during the late postpartum period [e.g., emergency room service utilization among those with mental health conditions: prenatal period (35.6%); postpartum period: early (5.5%) and late (30.1%)]. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Increasing access to the full range of recommended services during the prenatal period through 1 year postpartum has potential to help improve vulnerable women's birth outcomes.

Infant Mortality and Maternal Risk Factors in Texas: Highlighting Zip Code Variations in 2 At-Risk Counties, 2011-2015.

INTRODUCTION: Stark differences in the infant mortality rate (IMR) exist by geography in Texas. The Healthy Families initiative sought to understand how evidence-informed practices implemented in the community can improve pregnancy-related outcomes in 2 counties in Texas with a high prevalence of maternal chronic conditions. The objective of this study was to examine associations between maternal risk factors and infant deaths to inform strategies to improve outcomes. METHODS: Two counties with high prevalence of maternal chronic conditions were selected as Healthy Families sites: one with lower prenatal care usage than other counties in the state but an IMR lower than Texas, and the other with a higher IMR among minority racial and ethnic groups compared with other women in the county and Texas overall. Cohort-linked birth and infant death records from 2011 through 2015 provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services were analyzed by using logistic regression to examine associations of maternal sociodemographic and pregnancy risk factors with infant death. The data were mapped at the zip code level. Analyses were limited to births to women aged 15 to 49 years who resided in Texas from 2011 through 2015 (n = 1,942,899 births). RESULTS: The Texas IMR was 5.4 per 1,000 live births, compared with 4.6 and 7.5 per 1,000 live births for Hidalgo and Smith counties, respectively. Congenital malformations were the leading cause of infant death in both counties for infants born in 2015, which was similar to Texas overall. In both counties, maternal marital status, education, multiple gestation, and cesarean delivery were significantly associated with infant mortality. Wide zip code-level variations in IMR and maternal risk factors were observed in both counties. CONCLUSION: Variations in IMR and key maternal risk factors observed at the zip code level helped drive local strategies to maximize outreach of services to disproportionately affected communities.

Cross-Sectional Relationship between Regular Bedtime and Weight Status and Obesity-Related Behaviors among Preschool and Elementary School Children: TX CORD Study.

Background: This study examines the relations between a regular weekday bedtime with weight status, diet quality, physical activity, wellbeing, and parental rules among children 2 to 12 years of age from low-income populations. Methods: The study used baseline data collected in 2012, as part of a larger quasiexperimental study design. A convenience sample of parents of children in preschools, second, or fifth grade attending Head Start centers or elementary schools located in low-income catchment areas, in Houston and Austin, TX, were recruited to participate in the study (n = 32 elementary schools; n = 12 Head Start centers). Regular weekday bedtime was measured with the question "Does your child have a regular weekday bedtime?" Results: The sample of 1467 child-parent dyads were split approximately evenly by sex, and consisted of 44.4% Pre-K, 30.4% second grade, and 25.2% fifth grade students. Six hundred twenty-two (43.6%) children were overweight or obese. Children who had a regular bedtime had 15% lower odds of being overweight or obese (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-0.97, p-value: 0.017). Also, children who had a regular bedtime had 45% higher odds of eating the recommended number of fruits and vegetables (aOR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.02-2.07, p-value: 0.039) and had physical activity more days of the week (ß: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26-0.57, p-value: <0.001). Conclusions: Having a regular weekday bedtime is associated with better weight status and several obesity-related health behaviors in children. Parental report of regular bedtimes for their children may be an indication of parenting skills related to other health-related behaviors for prevention of childhood obesity.

A Participatory, State-Community-Academic Model to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in Texas: The Healthy Families Initiative.

BACKGROUND: While the Texas infant mortality rate (IMR) is below the Healthy People 2020 objective (5.7 per 1,000 live births), stark differences in IMR are seen across Texas communities. Health indicators for the state suggest important missed opportunities for improving maternal and infant outcomes. The Healthy Families initiative was a collaboration between a Texas state agency, community partners, and academic institutions to understand how evidence-based interventions could be identified, adapted, and implemented to address community priorities and reduce disparities in pregnancy outcomes. METHOD: The Healthy Families initiative included two Texas counties, one with low utilization of prenatal care and one with persistent disparities in infant mortality. The model served to (1) identify community factors influencing IMR and maternal morbidity through stakeholder engagement and secondary data, (2) build community capacity to link pregnant women with existing and newly developed services, and (3) develop partnerships within the community and clinics to improve access to and sustainability of services. RESULTS: A community-based participatory approach focused on stakeholder engagement was used to identify, design, and adapt strategies to address community-identified priorities. CONCLUSIONS: The Healthy Families initiative is a unique state-community-academic partnership aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes in vulnerable communities, with a focus on promotion of capacity building, maintenance, and sustainability of maternal and infant health programs.

Evaluation of BMI Metrics to Assess Change in Adiposity in Children with Overweight and Moderate and Severe Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relation between change in different BMI metrics and change in adiposity over a 12-month weight management intervention. METHODS: Baseline and 12-month weights and heights from 399 children aged 2 to 12 years with BMI ≥ 85th percentile were used to calculate BMI, %BMIp95, %BMIp50, BMI z-score (BMIz), and modified BMI z-score (BMImz). Changes (Δ) in these measures were compared with changes in body fat percent (Δfat%) from bioelectrical impedance assessment. Correlation and regression models predicting associations between ΔBMI metrics and Δfat% were examined. RESULTS: A total of 89% of the cohort was Hispanic, and 34% had class 2 or 3 obesity. In models predicting Δfat% adjusting for age, sex, and weight category, R2 for ΔBMI, ΔBMIz, BMImz, Δ%BMIp95, and Δ%BMIp50 were 0.53, 0.38, 0.45, 0.53, and 0.54, respectively (all P < 0.001). Only the ΔBMIz model had an interaction with weight status. Among the models with the highest R2, age group and sex interacted with the Δ%BMIp95 model but not ΔBMI or ΔBMIp50 models. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal analyses demonstrate the utility of several BMI metrics other than z-score in capturing adiposity change consistently across a range of obesity severity. Characteristics of studied groups and interpretability could influence metric choice.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Epidemiology Workforce.

Increasing participation by promoting diversity and inclusion in professional society membership has become an important topic for many scientific fields. In a recent issue of the Journal, DeVilbiss et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2020;189(10):998-1010) reported results from a survey conducted by the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) Diversity and Inclusion Committee by which several aspects of participation by sociodemographic and cultural variables among its members were measured. Here, we summarize the major findings of the survey, put the authors' results within the greater context of the epidemiology workforce, and provide suggestions on how the Committee could expand its influence by considering measuring variables related to career outcomes and trajectories. This suggestion is based on an attempt to link the interventions being facilitated by SER, the participation indices it is trying to improve, and the greater mission of SER to build sustainable career trajectories that produce the best science that will improve the health of human populations.

Who benefits from the intervention? Correlates of successful BMI reduction in the Texas Childhood Obesity Demonstration Project (TX-CORD).

BACKGROUND: Many childhood obesity intervention studies report mean outcomes but do not explore the variation in responses and the characteristics of those who respond well. OBJECTIVE: To identify child and family characteristics associated with improvement in the primary outcome, %BMIp95 , of the Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration project (TX-CORD). METHODS: The 12-month TX-CORD secondary prevention study randomized 549 children, ages 2 to 12 years, with BMI ≥85th percentile to the intensive intervention vs. the comparison program, with measurements at baseline, 3-, and 12-months. A growth mixture model was used to identify mutually exclusive latent %BMIp95 trajectories. Latent class regression tested associations between baseline characteristics and latent class membership. RESULTS: A 2-class solution emerged after accounting for the effect of intervention randomization. Latent Class 1 participants (86% of sample) were characterized by mild-to-moderate obesity and demonstrated a significantly greater response to the intensive intervention between 0 and 3 months (slope-on-group = -0.931, p = 0.03). A rebound between 3 and 12 months was not significantly different between arms. Latent Class 2 participants (14%), who had severe obesity, demonstrated no difference in response between intervention groups. Characteristics associated with Class 1 membership included younger age (2-5 years vs. 6-12 years: OR 3.70, p = .035) and lower maternal BMI category (< 35 kg/m2 vs. ≥ 35 kg/m2 : OR 7.14, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The optimal target population for the intensive intervention are children who have milder obesity, are younger, and do not have a mother with severe obesity. Children with severe obesity may require different approaches.

Maternal comorbidity index and severe maternal morbidity during delivery hospitalizations in Texas, 2011-2014.

BACKGROUND: Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) prevalence was 194.0 per 10 000 deliveries in Texas in 2015. Chronic, behavioral, and pregnancy-induced conditions, as captured by a maternal comorbidity index, increase the risk for delivery-related morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to examine the association between maternal comorbidity index and SMM among delivery hospitalizations in Texas. METHODS: Delivery-related hospitalizations among Texan women aged 15-49 years were identified using the 2011-2014 Texas all-payer inpatient hospitalization public use data files (n = 1 434 441). The primary outcome of interest was SMM, based on the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health's coding scheme. The exposure of interest was a maternal comorbidity index. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the association between maternal comorbidity index and SMM. RESULTS: SMM prevalence remained consistent between 2011 and 2014 (196.0-197.0 per 10 000 deliveries, P > .05; n = 1 434 441). Nearly 40% of delivery-related hospitalizations had a maternal comorbidity index of at least 1, and the proportion of deliveries in the highest risk category of comorbidity index (≥5) increased by 12.0% from 2011 to 2014. SMM prevalence was highest among the youngest and oldest age groups. With each unit increase in maternal comorbidity index, the odds of SMM increase was 1.43 (95% CI 1.42-1.43). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal comorbidity index is associated with SMM; however, the low predictive power of the model suggests that other, unmeasured factors may influence SMM in Texas. These findings highlight a need to understand broader contextual factors (practitioner, facility, systems of care, and community) that may be associated with SMM to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in Texas.

Maternal risk factor index and cesarean delivery among women with nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex deliveries, Texas, 2015.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean delivery accounts for over one-third of the ~400 000 annual births in Texas, with first-time cesarean accounting for 20% of the overall cesareans. We examined associations of maternal medical comorbidities with cesarean delivery among nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) deliveries in Texas. METHODS: Nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex deliveries to women aged 15-49 years were identified using the 2015 Texas birth file (Center for Health Statistics, Texas Department of State Health Services). A risk factor index was constructed (score range 0-4), including preexisting/gestational diabetes mellitus, preexisting/gestational hypertension/eclampsia, infertility treatment, smoking during pregnancy, and prepregnancy overweight/obesity, and categorized as 0, 1, 2, and 3+ based on the number of risk factors present. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between the categorized risk factor index and cesarean delivery, overall and by maternal race and ethnicity. RESULTS: Among the 114 535 NTSV deliveries in Texas in 2015, 27.2% were by cesarean. The most prevalent maternal risk among all deliveries was prepregnancy overweight/obesity (42.4%). The odds of cesarean delivery increased significantly with increasing number of risk factors [one risk factor: 1.72 (95% CI 1.67-1.78); two risk factors: 2.58 (95% CI 2.46-2.71); and three or more risk factors: 3.91 (95% CI 3.45-4.44)]. DISCUSSION: In Texas in 2015, nearly half of NTSV deliveries had at least one maternal risk factor and the odds of cesarean delivery were significantly elevated for women with a higher risk index score. The findings from this study highlight the need for intervening during the preconception and interconception period as intrapartum care practices have an important influence on birth outcomes.

Development and use of an index for measuring implementation of a weight management program in children in primary care clinics in Texas.

BACKGROUND: The Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration study was an integrated, systems-oriented intervention that incorporated primary and secondary obesity prevention approaches targeting multiple sectors, including primary care clinics, to address childhood obesity. The primary care clinic component included the American Academy of Pediatrics' Next Steps weight management counseling materials that support brief healthy lifestyle-focused visits. The current study describes the methodology and assesses the implementation of the Next Steps program in the participating primary care clinics, as well as the association of implementation with enrollment of children with overweight and obesity in the secondary prevention intervention. METHODS: The study used a serial cross-sectional study design to collect data from 11 primary care clinics in Houston (n = 5) and Austin (n = 6), Texas, in 2013-2014. Responses of primary care providers on 42 self-reported survey questions assessing acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility of the program were utilized to create a mean standardized clinic implementation index score. Provider scores were aggregated to represent Next Steps implementation scores at the clinic level. A mixed effects logistic regression test was conducted to determine the association between program implementation and the enrollment of children in the secondary prevention. RESULTS: Mean implementation index score was lower at Year 2 of implementation (2014) than Year 1 (2013) although the decrease was not significant [63.2% (12.2%) in 2013 vs. 55.3% (16.5%) in 2014]. There were no significant associations between levels of implementation of Next Steps and enrollment into TX CORD secondary prevention study. CONCLUSIONS: The development of an index using process evaluation measures can be used to assess the implementation and evaluation of provider-based obesity prevention tools in primary care clinics.

Improvement in Primary Care Provider Self-Efficacy and Use of Patient-Centered Counseling To Address Child Overweight and Obesity after Practice-Based Changes: Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration Study.

BACKGROUND: The Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration project, a multicenter, multisystem approach to childhood overweight and obesity (OW/OB), included training and materials to support primary care clinics (PCCs) in addressing child OW/OB in the office. This study evaluated the impact over 24 months of brief training and practice-based support on primary care providers' (PCPs) perceived self-efficacy and practice behaviors. METHODS: The PCPs at five Houston and seven Austin PCCs completed questionnaires at baseline (2012, n = 36), 12 months (2013, n = 30), and 24 months (2014, n = 34) follow-up. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to compare changes in self-efficacy (15 items, responses 1-4: not at all confident to very confident) and practice behaviors (30 items, responses 0-4: never to always) in obesity-related screening and counseling, and to assess association between prior training and these outcomes. RESULTS: Self-efficacy items for identification of (2.9 [0.1] vs. 3.3 [0.1]) and counseling about (2.8 [0.1] vs. 3.4 [0.1]) OW/OB-related parenting practices, and setting behavioral goals (2.9 [0.2] vs. 3.3 [0.2]) improved significantly (p < 0.05) between baseline and 24-month follow-up. Self-efficacy items with "confident" mean baseline scores that further improved included determining child OW/OB (3.6 [0.1] vs. 3.9 [0.1]) and interpreting BMI (3.6 [0.1] vs. 3.9 [0.1]). At all measurements, PCPs reported frequently addressing medical problems and lifestyle behaviors. Use of patient-centered counseling techniques, which was low at baseline, increased significantly, including asking permission before discussing lifestyle (1.5 [0.3] vs. 2.4 [0.3]). Prior training was associated with improved self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement in PCPs' self-efficacy and patient-centered counseling to address childhood OW/OB supports implementation of brief training and practice support in clinics that serve Medicaid-eligible children.

The effect of prenatal maternal cigarette smoking on children's BMI z-score with SGA as a mediator.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to assess the effect of prenatal maternal cigarette smoking on children's BMI z-score trajectories, and to evaluate whether small-for-gestational-age (SGA) acts as a potential mediator between prenatal maternal cigarette smoking and child's BMI z-score at 4 years of age. METHODS: Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) methods were employed to describe and classify developmental BMI z-score trajectories (the outcome of interest) in children from 9 months to 4 years of age (n = 5221) in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) study (2001-2005). Further analysis examined whether the identified BMI z-score trajectories varied with the exposure, prenatal maternal cigarette smoking. Mediation analyses were utilized to examine whether being SGA (binary measure) acted as a potential mediator in the relationship between prenatal maternal cigarette smoking and BMI z-score among 4-year-old children. RESULTS: Using GBTM, two BMI z-score trajectory groups were identified: normal BMI z-score (57.8%); and high BMI z-score (42.2%). Children of mothers who smoked cigarettes during pregnancy were 2.1 times (RR 95% CI: 1.1-4.0, P value = 0.023) more at risk of being in the high BMI z-score trajectory group. Prenatal cigarette smoking was positively related to SGA at birth, but SGA was inversely related to BMI z-score at 4 years. The direct effect (0.19, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.19; P value < 0.001) of maternal cigarette smoking status during pregnancy on BMI z-score among 4-year-old children was stronger and in the opposite direction of the indirect effect (-0.04, 95% CI: -0.04, -0.04; P value < 0.001) mediated through SGA. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, prenatal maternal cigarette smoking was positively associated with the high BMI z-score group, as well with SGA. The effects of prenatal smoking on BMI z-score at 4 years appears to act through pathways other than SGA.

Associations Between Parent-Perceived Neighborhood Safety and Encouragement and Child Outdoor Physical Activity Among Low-Income Children.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of research has examined the relationship between perceived neighborhood safety and parental encouragement for child physical activity (PA), yet these potential predictors have not been studied together to predict child outdoor PA. The purpose of this study is to examine these predictors and parent- and child-reported child outdoor PA. METHODS: The Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration study collected data from fifth-grade students attending 31 elementary schools across Austin and Houston and their parents (N = 748 parent-child dyads). Mixed-effects linear and logistic regressions stratified by gender and adjusted for sociodemographic covariates assessed associations among parental-perceived neighborhood safety, parental encouragement for child's outdoor PA, and parent- and child-reported child's outdoor PA. RESULTS: Parental-perceived neighborhood safety was significantly associated with encouraging outdoor PA (P = .01) and child-reported child's outdoor PA in boys, but not in girls. Significant associations were found between parental encouragement and child-reported outdoor PA for girls (P < .05) and parent-reported outdoor PA (P < .01) for boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS: Parent encouragement of PA and neighborhood safety are potential predictors of child outdoor PA and could be targeted in youth PA interventions.

Characteristics Associated with Induction of Labor and Delivery Route Among Primiparous Women with Term Deliveries in the Listening to Mothers III Study.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labor (IOL) is increasingly common in the United States, yet characteristics associated with IOL among primiparous women delivering at term are not well understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the Listening to Mothers III study, a survey of women aged 18-45 with singleton deliveries in U.S. hospitals in 2011-2012, were utilized. Weighted logistic regression models examined predictors of IOL among 924 primiparous women with term deliveries. Associations of maternal characteristics with delivery route (cesarean and vaginal delivery) were examined among primiparous women induced at term. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty-three (45.8%) primiparous women with term deliveries underwent IOL; subjective reasons were reported by 53% of induced women. Women who were married (odds ratios [OR] = 1.8, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.2-2.9), felt pressure from a provider for IOL (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 2.0-6.2), and whose provider was concerned about the size of the baby (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-2.9) were significantly more likely to undergo IOL. Nearly 30% of primiparous women who underwent IOL at term had a cesarean delivery (CD). Among the induced women, those who were overweight/obese (OR = 4.9, 95% CI 2.5-10.0), felt pressure from a provider for CD (OR = 8.6, 95% CI 3.5-21.2), and whose provider suspected the baby might be getting large near end of pregnancy (OR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.1-7.0) were significantly more likely to have CD. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, nearly half of the primiparous women with term deliveries underwent IOL, with a sizeable proportion reporting subjective reasons for induction. A better understanding of the characteristics associated with IOL at term may help reduce unnecessary interventions and, ultimately, primary CD.

Predictors of Severe Obesity in Low-Income, Predominantly Hispanic/Latino Children: The Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration Study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to identify predictors of severe obesity in a low-income, predominantly Hispanic/Latino sample of children in Texas. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis examined baseline data on 517 children from the secondary prevention component of the Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (TX CORD) study; data were collected from September 2012 through February 2014. Self-administered surveys were used to collect data from parents of children who were aged 2 to 12 years, had a body mass index (BMI) in the 85th percentile or higher, and resided in Austin, Texas, or Houston, Texas. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic covariates were used to examine associations of children's early-life and maternal factors (large-for-gestational-age, exclusive breastfeeding for ≥4 months, maternal severe obesity [BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2]) and children's behavioral factors (fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, screen time) with severe obesity (BMI ≥120% of 95th percentile), by age group (2-5 y, 6-8 y, and 9-12 y). RESULTS: Across all ages, 184 (35.6%) children had severe obesity. Among children aged 9 to 12 years, large-for-gestational-age at birth (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-4.73) was significantly associated with severe obesity. Maternal severe obesity was significantly associated with severe obesity among children aged 2 to 5 years (OR = 2.67; 95% CI, 1.10-6.47) and 9 to 12 years (OR = 4.12; 95% CI, 1.84-9.23). No significant association was observed between behavioral factors and severe obesity in any age group. CONCLUSION: In this low-income, predominantly Hispanic/Latino sample of children, large-for-gestational-age and maternal severe obesity were risk factors for severe obesity among children in certain age groups. Promoting healthy lifestyle practices during preconception and prenatal periods could be an important intervention strategy for addressing childhood obesity.

Strategies to Recruit a Diverse Low-Income Population to Child Weight Management Programs From Primary Care Practices.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: Primary care practices can be used to engage children and families in weight management programs. The Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (TX CORD) study targeted patients at 12 primary care practices in diverse and low-income areas of Houston, Texas, and Austin, Texas for recruitment to a trial of weight management programs. This article describes recruitment strategies developed to benefit both families and health care practices and the modification of electronic health records (EHRs) to reflect recruitment outcomes. INTERVENTION APPROACH: To facilitate family participation, materials and programs were provided in English and Spanish, and programs were conducted in convenient locations. To support health care practices, EHRs and print materials were provided to facilitate obesity recognition, screening, and study referral. We provided brief training for providers and their office staffs that covered screening patients for obesity, empathetic communication, obesity billing coding, and use of counseling materials. EVALUATION METHODS: We collected EHR data from 2012 through 2014, including demographics, weight, and height, for all patients aged 2 to 12 years who were seen in the 12 provider practices during the study's recruitment phase. The data of patients with a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile were compared with the same data for patients who were referred to the study and patients who enrolled in the study. We also examined reasons that patients referred to the study declined to participate. RESULTS: Overall, 26% of 7,845 patients with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile were referred to the study, and 27% of referred patients enrolled. Enrollment among patients with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile was associated with being Hispanic and with more severe obesity than with patients of other races/ethnicities or less severe obesity, respectively. Among families of children aged 2 to 5 years who were referred, 20% enrolled, compared with 30% of families of older children (>5 y to 12 y). Referral rates varied widely among the 12 primary care practices, and referral rates were not associated with EHR modifications. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Engagement and recruitment strategies for enrolling families in primary care practice in weight management programs should be strengthened. Further study of factors associated with referral and enrollment, better systems for EHR tools, and data on provider and office adherence to study protocols should be examined. EHRs can track referral and enrollment to capture outcomes of recruitment efforts.

Does Parents' Social Cohesion Influence Their Perception of Neighborhood Safety and Their Children's Active Commuting to and From School?

BACKGROUND: The role of parents' perceptions of the neighborhood environment in determining children's active commuting to and from school (ACS) is understudied. This study examined the association between parents' perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion, perceived neighborhood safety, and their children's ACS. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis (n = 857 from 81 elementary schools in Texas) examined baseline data from the Texas Childhood Obesity Prevention Policy Evaluation project. Participants had a mean age of 9.6 (0.6) years, and 50% were girls. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to assess gender-stratified associations between parent's perceived social cohesion and children's ACS and their perception of neighborhood safety. RESULTS: A positive significant association was observed between levels of perceived social cohesion and children's ACS for boys (P = 0.047); however, an inverse significant association was observed among girls (P = 0.033). Parents of boys living in neighborhoods with medium to high social cohesion were more likely to perceive their neighborhood as safe compared with parents living in neighborhoods with low social cohesion, though nonsignificant. Perceived neighborhood safety for walking and biking was associated with greater ACS among boys (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings indicate that both social and physical environments are important factors in determining ACS among boys.