Seat belt use among overweight and obese adolescents.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for adolescents. Previous studies with adults found an association between weight status and decreased use of seat belts. Research has also found significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates in obese individuals who are involved in motor vehicle crashes. If these relationships hold true in obese adolescents they represent additional risk factors for complications from motor vehicle trauma. Given the prevalence of obesity in adolescents (17.4%) and the increased risk of harm associated with obese individuals involved in motor vehicle crashes, this study explored whether there was an association between obesity in adolescents and their use of seat belts. Initial investigation found that rarely/never wearing seat belts was significantly greater for African Americans (22.6%), 18 years of age or older (19.4%), lived with adults other than both parents (15.7%), and males (15.4%). Bivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for demographic variables found that there was no statistically significant difference between overweight and normal weight adolescents. However, obese students were 1.72 times as likely as normal weight students to never or rarely wear their seat belts when riding in a car as a passenger. In particular, obese females and obese students in the middle school age ranges were statistically significantly more likely than normal weight students to never or rarely wear their seat belts.

Association of adolescent choking game activity with selected risk behaviors.

OBJECTIVE: Previous research has recommended education for parents, teachers, and anticipatory guidance by pediatricians regarding participation in the so-called choking game, a potentially fatal behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine possible associations between selected demographic variables and risk behaviors with youth engagement in the choking game on the basis of secondary data analysis from a general adolescent health risk behavior survey. METHODS: Self-administered survey data from an adolescent needs assessment was used to assess choking game behavior between fall 2008 and fall 2009. The sample included 192 classrooms across 88 schools in a Midwestern state. RESULTS: Of the 3598 questionnaires distributed to middle and high school students, 3408 (95%) were returned completed. Participation rate in the choking game was 9%, with male participation (11%) greater than female participation (7%), and high school students (11%) more likely than middle school students (5%) to participate. Adjusted odds ratios found that the likelihood of middle school students engaging in the choking game were higher for older students, substance users, and those having lower grades. For high school students, adjusted odds ratios found that being older, substance use, and selected mental health issues (forced sex and attempted suicide) were most associated with choking activities. CONCLUSIONS: Engaging in the choking game was highly associated with abuse of substances, suggesting that youth engage in the choking game for the thrill-seeking experience of brief euphoria, a drug-related feeling. To reduce the potentially fatal consequences associated with this behavior, pediatricians should screen youths and provide anticipatory guidance for higher-risk youths and their parents.