Social work and toddler overweight risk: Identifying modifiable child and parent factors across the socioeconomic gradient

ABSTRACT

Objective: Childhood obesity is associated with long-term health consequences, yet little is known about the prevalence of child and parent risk factors of overweight across the socioeconomic gradient in early life. This exploratory study documents the prevalence of risk factors that contribute to overweight among toddlers within and across socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: Obesity risk factors were examined within and across SES quintiles in a nationally representative sample. Data were collected from 5,100 mothers and 2-year-old children. Weighted regression models assessed child and parent characteristics that predict toddler weight status in a national sample and samples stratified by SES quintiles. Results: Higher rates of overweight were observed in Q1 (29.2%) and reduced with each successive SES quintile (16.9%—Q5), suggesting a gradient effect. Results indicated factors unique within quintiles, distinct from the full national sample: Q1—motor development; Q2—motor and mental development, maternal BMI, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, introduction of solid foods; Q3—breastfeeding; and Q4–5—introduction of solid foods. Discussion: Findings further existing knowledge of toddler obesity by uncovering risks relevant for specific SES groups. Results yield implications for social workers to refine strategies for improving toddler health and preventing overweight/obesity.

KEYWORDS:

• Maternal and child health
• pediatric obesity
• early childhood
• socioeconomic gradient
• health disparities

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the support and mentorship from Bethany Lee, Donna Harrington, Debbie Gioia, Erin Hager, and Melvin Delgado.

Supplementary Material

Supplemental data for the article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by the University of Maryland School of Social Work, PhD Program. Additional support was provided by the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis School of Social Work Research and Training Center, University of Michigan.