Assessing Risk Factors for Obesity in Young Children in Northern Mexico (Juega)

Countries:

Sponsors:

  • Duke Global Health Institute

Collaborators:

  • University Autonoma de Baja California

Start Date:

End Date:

  • Ongoing

Assessing Risk Factors for Obesity in Young Children in Northern Mexico (Juega)

The primary aim of the Juega study is to assess the extent to which physical activity, inactivity, and sleep duration are associated with child adiposity in a sample of 100 children entering their first year of school in Ensenada and Tijuana, Mexico. These cities are known for their high rates of drug-related violence, and thus, children may not be as physically active as those in other cities in the country. Energy expenditure and sleep duration have a demonstrated relationship to obesity, but little is known about these behaviors in children in Mexico--especially in young children. Families completed a questionnaire at baseline (before school begins) and follow-up (after completion of the first year of school). During these same time points, we ask children to wear an activity monitor coupled with a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, to better understand activity levels and the context for that activity. This study began in summer 2012 and is ongoing.

Last updated on January 10, 2018