Factors Associated with Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Young Children - United States, 2021.

Introduction: Because limited data exist about factors related to sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake among younger children, we investigated factors associated with SSB intake among US children aged 1 to 5 years. Methods: We examined SSB intake (0, 1-3, or ≥4 times/week) by using data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health. We performed a multinomial logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for select sociodemographic and household factors associated with moderate (1-3 times/week) and high (≥4 times/week) SSB intake. Results: Overall, 36% of children consumed SSBs 1 to 3 times/week and 21% consumed 4 or more times/week. Both moderate and high SSB intake were associated with child's age, child's race and ethnicity, highest caregiver education level, household income, primary household language, and frequency of family meals. For example, children who lived in households with caregiver education level of high school graduate or less were significantly more likely to have moderate (aOR, 2.06) and high (aOR, 2.81) SSB intake than those who lived in households with caregiver education level of college degree or higher. High SSB intake was also associated with marginal household food sufficiency, nonmetropolitan statistical area status, and receipt of government food benefits. Conclusion: Several sociodemographic and household factors were significantly associated with SSB intake among children aged 1 to 5 years. Public health initiatives designed to address SSB intake among young children in various settings including pediatric health care, early care and education, and the child's home could consider key associated factors.

Fruit, Vegetable, and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Young Children, by State - United States, 2021.

Good nutrition in early childhood supports optimal growth, development, and health (1). Federal guidelines support a dietary pattern with daily fruit and vegetable consumption and limited added sugars, including limited consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (1). Government-published dietary intake estimates for young children are outdated at the national level and unavailable at the state level. CDC analyzed data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH)* to describe how frequently, according to parent report, children aged 1-5 years (18,386) consumed fruits, vegetables, and sugar-sweetened beverages, nationally and by state. During the preceding week, approximately one in three (32.1%) children did not eat a daily fruit, nearly one half (49.1%) did not eat a daily vegetable, and more than one half (57.1%) drank a sugar-sweetened beverage at least once. Estimates of consumption varied by state. In 20 states, more than one half of children did not eat a vegetable daily during the preceding week. In Vermont, 30.4% of children did not eat a daily vegetable during the preceding week, compared with 64.3% in Louisiana. In 40 states and the District of Columbia, more than one half of children drank a sugar-sweetened beverage at least once during the preceding week. The percentage of children drinking sugar-sweetened beverages at least once during the preceding week ranged from 38.6% in Maine to 79.3% in Mississippi. Many young children are not consuming fruits and vegetables daily and are regularly consuming sugar-sweetened beverages. Federal nutrition programs and state policies and programs can support improvements in diet quality by increasing access to and availability of fruits and vegetables and healthy beverages in places where young children live, learn, and play.

Multi-State Implementation of Go NAPSACC to Support Healthy Practices in the Early Care and Education Setting.

Childhood obesity in the United States is a serious problem that puts children at risk for poor health. Effective state-wide interventions are needed to address childhood obesity risk factors. Embedding evidence-based initiatives into state-level Early Care and Education (ECE) systems has the potential to improve health environments and promote healthy habits for the 12.5 million children attending ECE programs. Go NAPSACC, an online program that was adapted from an earlier paper version of Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAPSACC or NAP SACC), provides an evidence-based approach that aligns with national guidance from Caring for Our Children and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This study describes approaches undertaken across 22 states from May 2017 to May 2022 to implement and integrate Go NAPSACC into state-level systems. This study describes challenges encountered, strategies employed, and lessoned learned while implementing Go NAPSACC state-wide. To date, 22 states have successfully trained 1,324 Go NAPSACC consultants, enrolled 7,152 ECE programs, and aimed to impact 344,750 children in care. By implementing evidence-based programs, such as Go NAPSACC, ECE programs state-wide can make changes and monitor progress on meeting healthy best practice standards, increasing opportunities for all children to have a healthy start.

Improving Nutrition in the First 1000 Days in the United States: A Federal Perspective.

The first 1000 days begins with pregnancy and ends at the child's second birthday. Nutrition throughout the life course, and especially during the first 1000 days, supports maternal health and optimal growth and development for children. We give a high-level summary of the state of nutrition in the first 1000 days in the United States. We provide examples where continued efforts are needed. We then discuss select opportunities to strengthen federal research and surveillance, programs, and communication and dissemination efforts aimed at improving nutrition and positively, and equitably, influencing the health and well-being of mothers and children. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S8):S817-S825. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307028).

US Pediatrician Practices and Attitudes Concerning Childhood Obesity: 2006 and 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To compare primary care pediatricians' practices and attitudes regarding obesity assessment, prevention, and treatment in children 2 years and older in 2006 and 2017. STUDY DESIGN: National, random samples of American Academy of Pediatrics members were surveyed in 2006, 2010, and 2017 on practices and attitudes regarding overweight and obesity (analytic n = 655, 592, and 558, respectively). Using logistic regression models (controlling for pediatrician and practice characteristics), we examined survey year with predicted values (PVs), including body mass index (BMI) assessment across 2006, 2010, and 2017 and practices and attitudes in 2006 and 2017. RESULTS: Pediatrician respondents in 2017 were significantly more likely than in 2006 and 2010 to report calculating and plotting BMI at every well-child visit, with 96% of 2017 pediatricians reporting they do this. Compared with 2006, in 2017 pediatricians were more likely to discuss family behaviors related to screen time, sugar-sweetened beverages, and eating meals together, P < .001 for all. There were no observed differences in frequency of discussions on parental role modeling of nutrition and activity-related behaviors, roles in food selection, and frequency of eating fast foods or eating out. Pediatricians in 2017 were more likely to agree BMI adds new information relevant to medical care (PV = 69.8% and 78.1%), they have support staff for screening (PV = 45.3% and 60.5%), and there are effective means of treating obesity (PV = 36.3% and 56.2%), P < .001 for all. CONCLUSIONS: Results from cross-sectional surveys in 2006 and 2017 suggest nationwide, practicing pediatricians have increased discussions with families on several behaviors and their awareness and practices around obesity care.

Supporting Obesity Prevention in Statewide Quality Rating and Improvement Systems: A Review of State Standards.

INTRODUCTION: A quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) is a fundamental component of most states' early care and education infrastructures. States can use a QRIS to set standards that define high-quality care and award child care providers with a quality rating designation based on how well they meet these standards. The objective of this review was to describe the extent to which states' QRIS standards include obesity prevention content. METHODS: We collected publicly available data on states' QRIS standards. We compared states' QRIS standards with 47 high-impact obesity prevention components in Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, 3rd Edition, and 6 additional topics based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Spectrum of Opportunities for Obesity Prevention in the Early Care and Education Setting. RESULTS: Thirty-eight states operated a state-wide QRIS in early 2015. Of those, 27 states' QRIS included obesity prevention standards; 20 states had at least one QRIS standard that aligned with the high-impact obesity prevention components, and 21 states had at least one QRIS standard that aligned with at least one of the 6 additional topics. QRIS standards related to the physical activity high-impact obesity prevention components were the most common, followed by components for screen time, nutrition, and infant feeding. CONCLUSION: The high proportion of states operating a QRIS that included obesity prevention standards, combined with the widespread use of QRISs among states, suggests that a QRIS is a viable way to embed obesity prevention standards into state early care and education systems.

Availability and Promotion of Healthful Foods in Stores and Restaurants - Guam, 2015.

Chronic disease, which is linked to unhealthy nutrition environments, is highly prevalent in Guam. The nutrition environment was assessed in 114 stores and 63 restaurants in Guam. Stores had limited availability of some healthier foods such as lean ground meat (7.5%) and 100% whole-wheat bread (11.4%), while fruits (81.0%) and vegetables (94.8%) were more commonly available; 43.7% of restaurants offered a healthy entrée or main dish salad, 4.1% provided calorie information, and 15.7% denoted healthier choices on menus. Improving the nutrition environment could help customers make healthier choices.

Electronic health records to support obesity-related patient care: Results from a survey of United States physicians.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity-related electronic health record functions increase the rates of measuring Body Mass Index, diagnosing obesity, and providing obesity services. This study describes the prevalence of obesity-related electronic health record functions in clinical practice and analyzes characteristics associated with increased obesity-related electronic health record sophistication. METHODS: Data were analyzed from DocStyles, a web-based panel survey administered to 1507 primary care providers practicing in the United States in June, 2013. Physicians were asked if their electronic health record has specific obesity-related functions. Logistical regression analyses identified characteristics associated with improved obesity-related electronic health record sophistication. RESULTS: Of the 88% of providers with an electronic health record, 83% of electronic health records calculate Body Mass Index, 52% calculate pediatric Body Mass Index percentile, and 32% flag patients with abnormal Body Mass Index values. Only 36% provide obesity-related decision support and 17% suggest additional resources for obesity-related care. Characteristics associated with having a more sophisticated electronic health record include age ≤45years old, being a pediatrician or family practitioner, and practicing in a larger, outpatient practice. CONCLUSIONS: Few electronic health records optimally supported physician's obesity-related clinical care. The low rates of obesity-related electronic health record functions currently in practice highlight areas to improve the clinical health information technology in primary care practice. More work can be done to develop, implement, and promote the effective utilization of obesity-related electronic health record functions to improve obesity treatment and prevention efforts.

Analysis of a novel field dilution method for testing samples that exceed the analytic range of point-of-care blood lead analyzers.

Investigators developed and evaluated a dilution method for the LeadCare II analyzer (LCII) for blood lead levels >65 µg/dL, the analyzer's maximum reporting value. Venous blood samples from lead-poisoned children were initially analyzed in the field using the dilution method. Split samples were analyzed at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratory using both the dilution method and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concordance correlation coefficient of CDC LCII vs. ICP-MS values (N = 211) was 0.976 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.970-0.981); of Field LCII vs. ICP-MS (N = 68) was 0.910 (95% CI 0.861-0.942), and CDC LCII vs. Field LCII (N = 53) was 0.721 (95% CI 0.565-0.827). Sixty percent of CDC and 54% of Field LCII values were within ±10% of the ICP-MS value. Results from the dilution method approximated ICP-MS values and were useful for field-based decision-making. Specific recommendations for additional evaluation are provided.

Factors Associated with Daily Fruit and Vegetable Intakes among Children Aged 1-5 Years in the United States.

To describe child, caregiver, and household characteristics associated with fruit and vegetable intakes among US children aged 1-5 years, we examined fruit and vegetable intakes (less than daily vs. daily) using data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health among children aged 1-5 years. Multiple logistic regression provided adjusted odds ratios for factors associated with (1) daily fruit and (2) daily vegetable intakes. Among children aged 1-5 years, 68% (n = 11,124) consumed fruit daily, and 51% (n = 8292) consumed vegetables daily. Both daily fruit and daily vegetable intake were associated with child age, child race and ethnicity, and frequency of family meals. For example, children who ate a family meal 4-6 days/week (aOR 0.69; 95% CI 0.57, 0.83) or 0-3 days/week (aOR 0.57; 95% CI 0.46, 0.72) were less likely to consume fruit daily compared to children who had a family meal every day. Participation in food assistance programs, food insufficiency, and household income were not significantly associated with odds of daily fruit or daily vegetable intake in the adjusted models. Several factors were associated with daily fruit and vegetable intake among children aged 1-5. Strategies aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in early childhood may consider these child, caregiver, and household characteristics. Pediatric healthcare providers, early childhood education centers, and families of young children may be important partners in this work.

Time Playing Outdoors Among Children Aged 3-5 Years: National Survey of Children's Health, 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Federal guidelines recommend physical activity throughout the day for preschool-aged children. Time playing outdoors can support physical activity participation, health, and development. Estimates of time playing outdoors among U.S. children aged 3-5 years have not been published. METHODS: Parent/caregiver-reported data on children aged 3-5 years from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health were analyzed in 2022-23. Chi-square tests were used to identify differences in time playing outdoors by sociodemographic and neighborhood characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted with significant characteristics for weekdays and weekend days. RESULTS: Among 11,743 children aged 3-5 years, 37% played outdoors for ≤1 hour on weekdays, and 24% played outdoors for ≤1 hour on weekend days. In 9 states, ≥40% of children played outdoors for ≤1 hour on weekdays. Adjusted models for weekdays and weekend days showed a greater likelihood of ≤1 hour playing outdoors among those in all racial/ethnic groups compared to non-Hispanic White, those who lived in metropolitan statistical areas, those who did not participate in child care, and those whose adult proxy disagreed with "we watch out for each other's children in this neighborhood." The weekday model showed additional differences by sex, with girls more likely to have ≤1 hour of time playing outdoors. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 40% of preschool-aged children play outdoors for ≤1 hour per day on weekdays, with differences by sociodemographic and neighborhood characteristics. Further study and interventions focused on building supportive, equitable communities might increase the amount of time preschool-aged children spend playing outdoors.

Population-level intervention strategies and examples for obesity prevention in children.

With obesity affecting approximately 12.5 million American youth, population-level interventions are indicated to help support healthy behaviors. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of population-level intervention strategies and specific intervention examples that illustrate ways to help prevent and control obesity in children through improving nutrition and physical activity behaviors. Information is summarized within the settings where children live, learn, and play (early care and education, school, community, health care, home). Intervention strategies are activities or changes intended to promote healthful behaviors in children. They were identified from (a) systematic reviews; (b) evidence- and expert consensus-based recommendations, guidelines, or standards from nongovernmental or federal agencies; and finally (c) peer-reviewed synthesis reviews. Intervention examples illustrate how at least one of the strategies was used in a particular setting. To identify interventions examples, we considered (a) peer-reviewed literature as well as (b) additional sources with research-tested and practice-based initiatives. Researchers and practitioners may use this review as they set priorities and promote integration across settings and to find research- and practice-tested intervention examples that can be replicated in their communities for childhood obesity prevention.

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis in Florida: a case report and epidemiological review of Florida cases.

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but nearly always fatal infection of the central nervous system caused by the thermophilic, free-living ameba Naegleria fowleri. Since its first description in 1965 through 2010, 118 cases have been reported in the U.S.; all cases are related to environmental exposure to warm freshwater; most have occurred in children and adolescents and are associated with recreational water activities, such as swimming, diving, or playing in freshwater lakes, ponds, or rivers. Over one-fourth of all national PAM cases have occurred in Florida. The authors describe here a fatal case of PAM in a resident of northeast Florida and the ensuing environmental and public health investigation; they also provide a review of all cases of PAM in Florida from 1962 to 2010 and discuss public health responses to PAM in Florida, highlighting opportunities for positive collaboration between state and local environmental health specialists, epidemiologists, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Supporting Healthy Weight in Statewide Quality Rating and Improvement Systems: A Review of 2020 Standards and Comparison to 2015 Standards.

Background: Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRISs) are used to assess, improve, and communicate quality in early care and education (ECE) programs. One strategy for supporting healthy growth in early childhood is embedding nutrition, physical activity, infant feeding, and screen time content into state QRIS standards, using the Caring for Our Children high-impact obesity prevention standards (HIOPS) and the CDC Spectrum of Opportunities framework (CDC Spectrum). We assessed the number of obesity prevention standards in QRISs in 2020 and compared results to an analysis published in 2015. Methods: We collected state QRIS standards for ECE centers from March to April 2020. Two analysts coded documents for standards related to 47 HIOPS and 6 Spectrum areas. Results: Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia had statewide QRISs in early 2020. Of these, 21 QRISs (53%) embedded 1 or more HIOPS, and 26 (65%) embedded 1 or more Spectrum components. On average, 6.9% of HIOPS were embedded in QRIS standards in 2020, an increase from 4.6% in 2015. Nine QRISs included more HIOPS in 2020 than in 2015. Five QRISs added 10% or more of the 47 HIOPS between 2015 and 2020. Physical activity and screen time standards continued to be most often included; infant feeding standards were least included. Conclusion: Obesity prevention components were embedded in three-quarters of state QRISs, and more were embedded in 2020 than in 2015, suggesting that QRISs can be levers for supporting healthy weight in ECE settings.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children Enrolled in Head Start, 2012-2018.

PURPOSE: Determine prevalence of overweight and obesity as reported in Head Start Program Information Reports. DESIGN: Serial cross-sectional census reports from 2012-2018. SETTING: Head Start programs countrywide, aggregated from program level to state and national level. SUBJECTS: Population of children enrolled in Head Start with reported weight status data. MEASURES: Prevalence of overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥85th percentile to <95th percentile) and obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile). ANALYSIS: Used descriptive statistics to present the prevalence of overweight and obesity by state. Performed unadjusted regression analysis to examine annual trends or average annual changes in prevalence. RESULTS: In 2018, the prevalence of overweight was 13.7% (range: 8.9% in Alabama to 20.4% in Alaska). The prevalence of obesity was 16.6% (range: 12.5% in South Carolina to 27.1% in Alaska). In the unadjusted regression model, 34 states and the District of Columbia did not have a linear trend significantly different from zero. There was a statistically significant positive trend in obesity prevalence for 13 states and a negative trend for 3 states. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in Head Start children remained stable but continues to be high. Head Start reports may be an additional source of surveillance data to understand obesity prevalence in low-income young children.

A Healthy Start: National Trends in Child Care Regulations and Uptake of Obesity Prevention Standards (2010-2018).

Background: Obesity remains a significant public health issue in the United States. Each week, millions of infants and children are cared for in early care and education (ECE) programs, making it an important setting for building healthy habits. Since 2010, 39 states promulgated licensing regulations impacting infant feeding, nutrition, physical activity, or screen time practices. We assessed trends in ECE regulations across all 50 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) and hypothesized that states included more obesity prevention standards over time. Methods: We analyzed published ratings of state licensing regulations (2010-2018) and describe trends in uptake of 47 high-impact standards derived from Caring for Our Children's, Preventing Childhood Obesity special collection. National trends are described by (1) care type (Centers, Large Care Homes, and Small Care Homes); (2) state and U.S. region; and (3) most and least supported standards. Results: Center regulations included the most obesity prevention standards (∼13% in 2010 vs. ∼29% in 2018) compared with other care types, and infant feeding and nutrition standards were most often included, while physical activity and screen time were least supported. Some states saw significant improvements in uptake, with six states and D.C. having a 30%-point increase 2010-2018. Conclusions: Nationally, there were consistent increases in the percentage of obesity prevention standards included in ECE licensing regulations. Future studies may examine facilitators and barriers to the uptake of obesity prevention standards and identify pathways by which public health and health care professionals can act as a resource and promote obesity prevention in ECE.