Hispanic Community Children's Health Research Articles

Correlations in Siblings' Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Results from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth.

Background: Family is an important determinant of youth's health behaviors, yet research on the importance of intragenerational relationships for determining physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SBs) is limited. This study examined correlations in siblings' total PA, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and SB and explored potential determinants of differences in Hispanic/Latino siblings' activity. Methods: Hispanic/Latino 8-16-year olds from the cross-sectional Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth with ≥1 sibling enrolled were examined (n = 535). Activity was assessed using the Actical accelerometer. Linear mixed models were used with total PA, MVPA, or SB as the outcome; correlations among siblings' PA and SB were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: ICCs for siblings' total PA, MVPA, and SB were 0.26 (95% confidence interval: 0.16-0.36), 0.29 (0.21-0.38), and 0.42 (0.34-0.51), respectively. There were no differences in correlations between siblings who were all brothers compared to all sisters. However, compared to siblings of differing sexes, siblings who were all brothers had the strongest correlations in total PA (0.61 [0.46-0.76]) and MVPA (0.64 [0.49-0.78]), and siblings who were all sisters had the weakest correlations in SB (0.14 [-0.10 to 0.37]). Correlations did not differ according to age, and social and environmental measures did not explain differences in siblings' PA or SB. Conclusions: Correlations in Hispanic/Latino siblings' PA and SB ranged from slight to fair, with siblings who were all brothers generally having the strongest correlations. Future research should examine determinants of sex-specific differences in siblings' PA and SB correlations.

Immigrant generation status and its association with pubertal timing and tempo among Hispanic girls and boys.

In the United States, Hispanic-Latino children reach puberty earlier on average than non-Hispanic white children. Yet among U.S. Hispanic/Latino children, pubertal timing comparisons between immigrant generations have not been made, hence we examined whether pubertal timing differs by immigrant generational status, independent of BMI and acculturation measures. Cross-sectional data on 724 boys and 735 girls, aged 10-15 years, from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino (SOL) Youth, were used to predict the median ages of thelarche, pubarche, and menarche in girls, and pubarche and voice change in boys, using Weibull survival models, while adjusting for SOL center, BMI, and acculturation. In girls, the first generation began thelarche earlier than second and third generations (median age [years] [95% confidence interval]: 7.4 [6.1, 8.8] vs. 8.5 [7.3, 9.7] and 9.1 [7.6, 10.7], respectively), but began menarche later (12.9 [12.0,137] vs. 11.8 [11.0, 12.5] and 11.6 [10.6, 12.6], respectively). Pubertal timing and tempo for boys did not differ by generational status. First-generation U.S. Hispanic/Latino girls had the earliest thelarche, latest menarche and longest pubertal tempo, compared to second and third generations. Factors beyond BMI and acculturation may account for the differences in pubertal timing by generational status of U.S. Hispanic/Latino girls.

Cultural and neighborhood characteristics associated with activity-specific parenting practices in Hispanic/Latino youth: a secondary analysis of the Hispanic Community Children's health study/study of Latino youth.

Hispanic/Latino youth are less physically active than non-Hispanic/Latino youth. We assessed whether activity-specific parenting practices relate to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior among Hispanic/Latino youth, and whether cultural (acculturation) and neighborhood characteristics (perceived barriers to activity) relate to the use of parenting practice patterns. Using the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth, n = 976 8-16-year-olds), we modeled linear regression associations between parenting practices and mean daily MVPA and sedentary behavior. Parenting practice patterns were then developed using k-means cluster analysis, and regressed on parental acculturation and neighborhood characteristics. Discipline predicted higher MVPA in females (β 1.89 [95% CI 0.11-3.67]), while Monitoring/Reinforcement predicted higher MVPA in males (β 4.71 [95% CI 0.68-8.74]). Three patterns were then identified: Negative Reinforcement (high Limit Setting and Discipline use), Positive Reinforcement (high Limit Setting and Monitoring/Reinforcement use), and Permissive Parenting (low parenting practice use). Higher acculturation predicted use of Positive Reinforcement. Activity-specific parenting practices are associated with activity in sex-specific ways among Hispanic/Latino youth, and cultural factors predict the use of parenting practices.

Current Family Functioning and Youth Cardiometabolic Health in the SOL Youth Study.

Family functioning may impact children's cardiometabolic health; however, few studies have examined multiple cardiometabolic markers among a diverse racial/ethnic cohort. The relationship between child- and caregiver-reported family functioning and the cardiometabolic health of Hispanic/Latino youth was examined. Data were from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth) (2012-2014), a population-based cohort study of children and adolescents whose parents participated in the HCHS/SOL (2008-2011). The relationship between youth- and caregiver-rated family functioning, and concordance of ratings is modeled, utilizing the general functioning subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device with youth objective cardiometabolic health markers (obesity, central adiposity, prediabetes/diabetes, prehypertension/hypertension, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol) adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Among boys, child/caregiver concordant ineffective family functioning rating was associated with higher cumulative cardiometabolic risk (adjusted B (95% CI): 0.30 (0.04, 0.56)), but no association was observed among girls (adjusted B (95% CI): 0.04 (-0.13, 0.21)). Among girls, ineffective child rating/effective caregiver rating was associated with higher cumulative cardiometabolic risk (adjusted B (95% CI): 0.27 (0.06, 0.48)), but no association was observed among boys (adjusted B (95% CI): 0.02 (-0.23, 0.27). Findings suggest that family functioning among this Hispanic/Latino population may influence cardiometabolic risk among youth. Observed differences in the associations by youth sex and concordant/discordant reports of family functioning suggest interventions at the family level, targeting both caregivers and youth, that consider differential sex effects are warranted.

Examining the impact of the Cultural Gap Narrative on Family Functioning and Youth Substance Use among the Health Study/Study of latino Youth (HCHS/SOL Youth) population.

The acculturation gap theory provides a complex illustration of how cultural orientations affect health behaviors among adolescents, by assuming that familial cultural orientation gaps lead to compromised family functioning and children adopting negative health behaviors. This analysis used three methods to conceptualize cultural gaps to examine the relationships between familial cultural orientation gaps and family functioning and substance use susceptibility among the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Hispanic/Latino Youth population. Results did not support the assumptions behind the acculturation gap theory. The methods used to conceptualize cultural gaps did not illustrate consistent underlying trends when measuring the relationship between cultural gaps and substance use susceptibility. There was no evidence of mediation on substance use susceptibility by perceived family functioning for either cultural domains using each method. This analysis underscores the need to refine the framework behind the acculturation gap theory and how cultural gaps are measured among Hispanic/Latino youth.

Diet quality comparisons in Hispanic/Latino siblings: Results from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth)

The objective of this study was to determine how well Hispanic/Latino siblings' diet quality correlate with each other and whether social and environmental factors explained potential differences. Hispanic/Latino 8–16-year-olds from the cross-sectional Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth) with at least one sibling enrolled in the study were examined (n = 740). Diet quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010), calculated from two 24-h recalls. Mixed effects models were used with HEI-2010 score as the outcome, and correlations in siblings' diet quality were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). All models were examined stratified by age and sex. Diet-related social and environmental measures were added as fixed effects in a secondary analysis. Mean (standard deviation) overall HEI-2010 score was 53.8 (13.0). The ICC for siblings' HEI-2010 score was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.38). Siblings who were born <3 vs. ≥3 years apart had stronger correlations in overall diet quality (0.47 [95% CI: 0.37, 0.58] vs. 0.21 [95% CI: 0.13, 0.30]), but no differences were observed in overall HEI-2010 score according to sex. Greater peer support for fruit and vegetable intake (β = 1.42 [95% CI: 0.62, 2.21]) and greater away-from-home food consumption (β = −1.24 [95% CI: −2.15, −0.32]) were associated with differences in siblings' diet quality. Overall diet quality scores of Hispanic/Latino siblings in this study were slightly correlated, with stronger correlations among siblings closer in age. Differences in peer support and foods consumed outside the home may explain differences in siblings' diet quality. Future research should investigate additional determinants of differences in siblings' diets.

Abstract MP02: Diet Quality Comparisons In Hispanic/Latino Siblings And The Role Of Social And Environmental Determinants: Results From The Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study Of Latino Youth (SOL Youth)

Introduction: Hispanic/Latino youth in the United States are disproportionately burdened by obesity. Siblings are important determinants of each other’s health behaviors, particularly in Hispanic/Latino families whose cultural values are distinctive for stressing close and supportive family relationships. However, no study in Hispanic/Latino youth has examined how overall diet quality correlates between siblings. Objective: To determine how well Hispanic/Latino siblings’ diet quality correlates with each other and whether social and environmental factors explain potential differences. Methods: Hispanic/Latino 8-16-year-olds from the Hispanic Community Children’s Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth) with at least one sibling enrolled in the study were examined ( n =749). The Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) was calculated from two 24-hour recalls to assess overall diet quality. All analyses used mixed effect models with HEI-2010 score as the outcome. Individual and family-level socio-demographic variables were fixed effects, and family and intercept were random effects. Correlations between siblings’ diet quality were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). All models were examined stratified by age and sex, and the ICCs were compared across groups using Fisher’s z-transformation. Diet-related social and environmental measures were added as fixed effects in a secondary analysis. Results: Overall HEI-2010 score was 53.7. The ICC for siblings’ HEI-2010 score was 0.31, indicating slight correlation. Separate examination of the twelve HEI-2010 components showed that siblings’ intake of empty calories and sodium had the highest correlation (ICC=0.31), while intake of total protein foods had the lowest correlation (ICC=0.13). Siblings who were born &lt;3 years apart (vs. ≥3 years apart) or all male or female (vs. of different sexes) had stronger correlations in overall diet quality (ICC=0.45 vs. 0.21 and 0.39 vs. 0.19, respectively, p&lt;0.05). Individuals who reported greater peer support for fruit and vegetable intake or more frequent use of healthy school vending machines/the school salad bar than their siblings had higher HEI-2010 scores (β=1.79 [95% CI: 0.38, 2.76]) and β=1.57 [95% CI: 0.38, 2.76], respectively). Individuals who reported greater away from home food consumption than their siblings had lower HEI-2010 scores (β=-1.12 [95% CI: -2.06, -0.18]). Frequenting unhealthy school vendors did not explain differences in siblings’ diet quality. Conclusions: Overall diet quality scores of Hispanic/Latino siblings in this study were modestly correlated, with stronger correlations among siblings closer in age and of concordant sex. Differences in peer support and foods consumed outside the home may explain differences in siblings’ diet quality. Future studies should examine additional psychosocial determinants of siblings’ diets.

The Association of the Parent-Child Language Acculturation Gap with Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk in Hispanic/Latino Youth: Results from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth).

Hispanic/Latino youth are disproportionately burdened by obesity and have a high prevalence of prediabetes and dyslipidemia. Differences in parent and child acculturation related to language use and preference (i.e., language acculturation) are associated with adverse cardiometabolic health behaviors, but no study has examined associations with cardiometabolic markers. To determine whether discordance in parent-child language acculturation (parent-child acculturation gap) was associated with poor youth cardiometabolic health. Hispanic/Latino 8-16-year-olds (n = 1,466) and parents from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth) were examined. Mean scores for the Brief ARSMA-II's Anglo (AOS) and Latino (LOS) Orientation Scales represented language acculturation. Cardiometabolic markers included youth body mass index (BMI) percentile, blood pressure percentiles, and dysglycemia and hyperlipidemia measures. Missing data were imputed. Survey-weighted multivariable linear regression examined the association of youth, parent, and youth × parent (the acculturation gap) AOS and LOS scores separately with each cardiometabolic marker. Youth reported greater English and lower Spanish use than parents. Greater discordance in AOS scores was associated with elevated BMI percentile only (p-for-interaction < .01). The LOS acculturation gap was not associated with any outcome. Adjustment for acculturative stress, family functioning and closeness, parenting style, and youth's diet and physical activity did not alter findings. Removal of nonsignificant acculturation gaps did not indicate an association between individual youth or parent AOS or LOS scores and any cardiometabolic marker. Discordance in Hispanic/Latino parent-child dyads' English use may relate to increased risk for childhood obesity. Future studies should identify mediators of this association.

Family function and eating behaviours among Hispanic/Latino youth: results from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth).

To elucidate mechanisms across family function, home environment and eating behaviours within sociocultural context among Hispanic youth. Two models tested via path analysis (youth fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption; empty energy consumption) using data from the Study of Latino Youth (2011-2013). Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; Bronx, NY; San Diego, CA. Youth (8-16-year-olds), n 1466. Youth ate 2·4 servings of FV per d and received 27 % of total energy from empty energies. Perceiving higher acculturative stress was indirectly associated with lower FV consumption via a pathway of low family function and family support for FV (β = -0·013, P < 0·001) and via lower family closeness and family support (β = -0·004, P = 0·004). Being >12-year-olds was indirectly associated with lower FV consumption via lower family closeness and family support (β = -0·006, P < 0·001). Household food security was indirectly associated with greater FV consumption via family closeness and family support (β = 0·005, P = 0·003). In contrast, perceiving higher acculturative stress was indirectly associated with higher empty energy consumption (via family closeness and family support: β = 0·003, P = 0·028 and via low family function and low family support: β = 0·008, P = 0·05). Being older was associated with higher consumption of empty energies via family closeness (related to family support: β = 0·04, P = 0·016; parenting strategies for eating: β = 0·002, P = 0·049). Findings suggest pathways of influence across demographic and sociocultural context, family dynamics and home environment. The directionality of these associations needs confirmation using longitudinal data.

Abstract MP03: The Association of the Parent-Child Acculturation Gap With Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk in Hispanic/Latino Youth: Results From the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth)

Introduction: Hispanic/Latino youth are disproportionately burdened by obesity and have a high prevalence of pre-diabetes and dyslipidemia. Acculturation may help explain this elevated cardiometabolic risk. Within immigrant families, parents and children acculturate at different rates. A difference in the degree of acculturation, known as the “acculturation gap”, between parents and their children has been associated with behaviors that may increase cardiometabolic risk in youth. However, no previous studies have investigated the association between the parent-child acculturation gap and cardiometabolic health. Hypothesis: We tested whether greater gaps in parent-child acculturation were associated with worse cardiometabolic health in Hispanic/Latino youth. Methods: Hispanic/Latino youth ( n =1466, 8-16-year-olds) and parents from the Hispanic Community Children’s Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth) were examined. Mean scores on the Brief Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II (ARSMA-II) Anglo and Latino Orientation Scales (AOS and LOS, respectively) were used to represent parent and youth acculturation. The Brief ARSMA-II primarily assesses language use patterns on a 5-point Likert-type scale, with higher scores on the AOS indicating a preference for English and higher scores on the LOS indicating a preference for Spanish. Cardiometabolic markers included youth body mass index (BMI) percentile, blood pressure percentiles, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, cholesterol, triglycerides, and hsCRP. Missing data were addressed using multiple imputation. Survey-weighted multivariable linear regression examined associations of youth, parent, and youth x parent (the acculturation gap) scores for the AOS and LOS scales separately with each cardiometabolic marker. Results: On average, compared to their parents, youth reported a greater preference for English and a lower preference for Spanish (AOS=4.2 vs. 2.7; LOS=3.1 vs. 4.2, respectively). Greater discordance (i.e., an acculturation gap) in parent and youth AOS scores was associated with elevated BMI percentile only (p-for-interaction≤0.001). The LOS acculturation gap was not associated with any cardiometabolic measures. Adjustment for acculturative stress, family functioning and closeness, parenting style, and youth’s diet and physical activity did not alter the findings. Removal of non-significant acculturation gaps indicated an inverse association between parent AOS score and youth SBP percentile (β=-2.47, 95% CI: -4.73, -0.21) and between parent LOS score and youth total cholesterol (β=-2.87, 95% CI: -5.52, -0.21). Conclusions: Discrepancies in English language use in parent-child dyads may relate to increased obesity risk in Hispanic/Latino youth. Future studies are needed to identify mediators of this association, such as general stress and English language fluency.

Intergenerational Transmission of Childhood Adversity in Parents and their Children's BMI in the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (HCHS/SOL Youth)

Intergenerational Transmission of Childhood Adversity in Parents and their Children's BMI in the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (HCHS/SOL Youth)

Association of food parenting practice patterns with obesogenic dietary intake in Hispanic/Latino youth: Results from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth)

Some food parenting practices (FPPs) are associated with obesogenic dietary intake in non-Hispanic youth, but studies in Hispanics/Latinos are limited. We examined how FPPs relate to obesogenic dietary intake using cross-sectional data from 1214 Hispanic/Latino 8-16-year-olds and their parents/caregivers in the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth). Diet was assessed with 2 24-h dietary recalls. Obesogenic items were snack foods, sweets, and high-sugar beverages. Three FPPs (Rules and Limits, Monitoring, and Pressure to Eat) derived from the Parenting strategies for Eating and Activity Scale (PEAS) were assessed. K-means cluster analysis identified 5 groups of parents with similar FPP scores. Survey-weighted multiple logistic regression examined associations of cluster membership with diet. Parents in the controlling (high scores for all FPPs) vs. indulgent (low scores for all FPPs) cluster had a 1.75 (95% CI: 1.02, 3.03) times higher odds of having children with high obesogenic dietary intake. Among parents of 12–16-year-olds, membership in the pressuring (high Pressure to Eat, low Rules and Limits and Monitoring scores) vs. indulgent cluster was associated with a 2.96 (95% CI: 1.51, 5.80) times greater odds of high obesogenic dietary intake. All other associations were null. Future longitudinal examinations of FPPs are needed to determine temporal associations with obesogenic dietary intake in Hispanic/Latino youth.

Associations of Insulin Resistance and Glycemia With Liver Enzymes in Hispanic/Latino Youths: Results From the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth).

Associations of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia with a panel of liver enzymes have not been well studied in a young, heterogenous Hispanic/Latino population. We aimed to assess the associations of insulin resistance and glycemia with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as measured by liver enzymes and the pediatric NAFLD fibrosis index (PNFI), and whether these associations are modified by body mass index and mediated by inflammation or endothelial dysfunction. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1317 boys and girls aged 8 to 16 years from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth. We used Poisson regression to assess the associations of fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (>25 U/L in boys, >22 U/L in girls), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (≥37 U/L), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (≥17 U/L), and PNFI (≥9; a function of age, waist circumference, and triglyceride level). HOMA-IR was associated with elevated ALT, AST, GGT, and PNFI [prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) for each 1-unit increase in the natural log of HOMA-IR: 1.99 (1.40-2.81), 2.15 (1.12-4.12), 1.70 (1.26-2.30), and 1.98 (1.43-2.74), respectively]. Associations were observed in overweight/obese children, but not in normal weight children (P-interaction=0.04 for AST and P-interaction=0.07 for GGT). After further adjustment for adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, e-selectin, and PAI-1, associations of HOMA-IR with liver enzymes and PNFI were attenuated, but remained statistically significant for AST and PNFI. Insulin resistance was associated with NAFLD in overweight/obese Hispanic/Latino youth, and this association may be partially mediated by inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

Metabolic Syndrome in Hispanic Youth: Results from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, is being diagnosed in youth. Specific diagnostic criteria used to define MetS influence prevalence estimates and populations considered at risk for cardiovascular disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) provide three MetS definitions used in medical research. This study examined concordance among these definitions in 1137 children 10-16 years of age, who participated in the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth. Prevalence of MetS and of individual components was estimated using SAS. Mplus was used to test a single-factor model of MetS components (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and fasting glucose). The ATP definition identified most MetS cases in 10-15 (N = 19, 4.7%) and 16-year-old girls (N = 3, 7.3%). The IDF definition identified most cases of MetS in 10-15 (N = 16, 3.1%) and 16-year-old boys (N = 2, 2.8%). Fewest cases of MetS were identified with the WHO definition across age and sex groups. Only one participant was classified as having MetS across all three definitions. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated fasting glucose and systolic blood pressure did not reliably cluster with other risk factors that define MetS in Hispanic/Latino adolescents. We conclude that prevalence estimates of MetS in youth are unstable across current criteria, calling into question the accuracy of defining and diagnosing MetS in youth.

Associations of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance with biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in Hispanic/Latino youths: Results from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth)

AimsWe hypothesized that Hispanic/Latino youth at high risk for diabetes would have elevated biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction. MethodsAmong 1316 children 8–16years old from the Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth), we used Poisson regression to obtain prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs for the cross-sectional association of quartiles of fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance with E-selectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels above the median (≥48.1 and ≥2.02ng/mL, respectively). ResultsLevels of E-selectin and PAI-1 were higher in children who were obese or had higher levels of hs-CRP (p<0.05). Insulin resistance was independently associated with higher levels of PAI-1 (adjusted PR and 95% CI for the highest versus lowest quartile (Q4 vs Q1): 2.25 [1.64, 3.09]). We found stronger evidence of associations of insulin resistance with higher levels of PAI-1 among boys as compared with girls (p-interaction = 0.10). ConclusionsInsulin resistance was associated with endothelial dysfunction, as measured by higher levels of PAI-1, in Hispanic/Latino youth. These biomarkers may be useful in risk stratification and prediction of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in high-risk youth.

Sex Differences in Associations of Adiposity Measures and Insulin Resistance in US Hispanic/Latino Youth: The Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth)

Sex Differences in Associations of Adiposity Measures and Insulin Resistance in US Hispanic/Latino Youth: The Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth)

The Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth): design, objectives, and procedures

The Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth): design, objectives, and procedures

The Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth): design, objectives, and procedures

PurposeThis article describes the design and methodology of the Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth) study, a multicenter study of Hispanic/Latino children living in the United States. MethodsParticipants are children aged 8–16 years whose parents/legal guardians participated in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a large community-based cohort study of Hispanic/Latino adults living in the United States. ResultsBetween 2012 and 2014, 1600 children recruited from four field centers (Bronx, Chicago, Miami, and San Diego) will undergo a 3.5-hour examination to collect biospecimens, obtain anthropometric measures, blood pressure, fitness level, dietary intake, and physical activity. Psychosocial and environmental characteristics are assessed by questionnaire. Primary study aims are to examine associations of youth's lifestyle behaviors and cardiometabolic risk factors with (1) youth's acculturation and parent-child differences in acculturation; (2) parenting strategies, family behaviors, and parental health behaviors; and (3) youth's psychosocial functioning. ConclusionsSOL Youth will determine the prevalence and distribution of obesity-promoting lifestyle behaviors, cardiometabolic risk profiles, and novel biomarkers associated with obesity and insulin resistance. This article describes the study methodology and considers advantages and limitations of embedding a cohort of children within a well-characterized cohort of adults.