Multiethnic Children Research Articles

AUTODIDACTIC FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN STUDYING IN MULTI-ETHNIC SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Purpose: The article is aimed at describing a model of self-education of primary school children's parents and the results of its testing in a primary school in a multi-ethnic educational space. The leading technology of organizing self-education for parents of primary students and formation of their methods of auto-didactics is the technology of poly directional pedagogical counseling.
 Methodology: The following methods of measuring the effectiveness of the offered program were used: SWOT - analysis of educational problems of primary school children in a multi-ethnic educational organization, analysis of research data on related topics, pedagogical modeling, studying students' work, observation, and survey methods with graphical interpretation of the data.
 Result: The result of the study was a unique model of inclusion of primary students’ parents in the educational space of a multi-ethnic school. In accordance with the authors' model, an awareness program was launched for parents of primary school children.
 Applications: The research materials can be useful for primary school teachers, for parents of primary students, as well as for specialists in the system of additional education in working with multi-ethnic children groups, as well as for social teachers in working with migrant families to build a non-conflict educational environment.
 Novelty/Originality: The originality of the study lies in the development of a model for the inclusion of parents of younger schoolchildren in the educational space of a multi-ethnic school through parental self-education organized by school teachers.

Discrimination by whom? : Unraveling the effect of experiences of discrimination on depression of multi-ethnic children and adolescents in Korea

ABSTRACTUsing the National Survey of Multicultural Families 2015, we examine the mediation effect of self-esteem and the effects of discrimination from different sources on young people’s depression, and we account for the importance of geographic area. The results indicate that peer discrimination has an adverse effect on depression among multi-ethnic children and adolescents in both urban and rural areas. Further, discrimination from neighbours affects self-esteem and depression among those in rural areas, and discrimination by strangers is strongly associated with depression among urban-residing children and adolescents. Based on such findings, implications for social work practice are provided.

The limits of “multiculturalism without diversity”: multi-ethnic students and the negotiation of “difference” in South Korean schools

ABSTRACTSince 2006, although South Korean “multiculturalism” policies have attempted to grapple with increasing ethnic and cultural diversity within Korean society, a homogenous national imaginary continues to inform these policies. I refer to the government’s approach to multiculturalism as “multiculturalism without diversity” to describe the limits of a multiculturalism anchored within an ethnic nationalistic framing of “difference”. Based on findings from an ethnographic study in South Korean primary schools, this paper examines how tensions between the reality of increasing diversity and a multicultural policy approach that maintains homogenous representations of Korean identity played out among Grade 5/6 children from Korean mono-ethnic and multi-ethnic backgrounds. Although there were limits to the ways children could assert authority, this paper analyses the mundane everyday practices and strategies that multi-ethnic children used to attempt to reassert and reinsert themselves at school and more broadly, within the possibility of a more critical Korean multiculturalism.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Risk Factors of Moderate or High Hyperopia among Multiethnic Children 6 to 72 Months of Age: A Pooled Analysis of Individual Participant Data

To describe the prevalence, ocular characteristics, and associated risk factors of moderate to high hyperopia in early childhood. Pooled analysis of individual participant data from population-based studies. Six- to 72-month-old multiethnic children who participated in 4 population-based studies of pediatric eye diseases. The pooled studies conducted comparable parental interviews and ocular examinations including cycloplegic autorefraction. Presence of hyperopia was defined based on cycloplegic refractive error in the worse eye. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association of potential risk factors with hyperopia risk. Prevalence and odds ratios of moderate to high hyperopia (≥4.0 diopters [D]). Cycloplegic refraction was completed in 15 051 children 6 to 72 months of age. Among these children, the overall prevalence of moderate to high hyperopia (≥4.0 D) in the worse eye was 3.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.9%-3.5%), accounting for 15.6% of all hyperopia (≥2.0 D). Among children with moderate to high hyperopia, both eyes were affected in 64.4%, 28.9% showed spherical anisometropia of 1.0 D or more, and 19.5% showed astigmatism of 1.5 D or more. Among 36- to 72-month-old children with moderate to high hyperopia, 17.6% wore glasses. Prevalence of moderate to high hyperopia was slightly less in 12- to 23-month-old children and was relatively stable in children 24 months of age and older. Non-Hispanic and Hispanic white race and ethnicity, family history of strabismus, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and being a participant in the United States studies were associated with a higher risk of moderate to high hyperopia (P < 0.05). By assembling similarly designed studies, our consortium provided robust estimates of the prevalence of moderate to high hyperopia in the general population and showed that in 6- to 72-month-old children, moderate to high hyperopia is not uncommon and its prevalence does not decrease with age. Risk factors for moderate to high hyperopia differ from those for low to moderate hyperopia (2.0-<4.0 D) in preschool children, with family history of strabismus and maternal smoking during pregnancy more strongly associated with moderate to high hyperopia than low to moderate hyperopia.

Taq1a polymorphism (rs1800497) is associated with obesity-related outcomes and dietary intake in a multi-ethnic sample of children.

In adults, the Taq1a polymorphism (rs1800497) near the D2 receptor (DRD2) gene is associated with body mass index and binge eating and is more prevalent among non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) and Hispanic-Americans (HA) relative to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). We hypothesize Taq1a polymorphism (rs1800497) risk alleles contribute to paediatric racial/ethnic differences in obesity phenotypes. This study aims to characterize the relationship between the Taq1a polymorphism (rs1800497), diet and adiposity in a multi-ethnic cohort of 286 children (98 NHB, 76 HA and 112 NHW), ages 7-12. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography scans and two 24-h dietary recalls assessed body composition, fat distribution and dietary intakes, respectively. Children with two Taq1a risk alleles (NHB=50.0%, HA=43.3%, NHW=6.7%) reported a 20% increase in total energy intake (P=0.0034) and per cent of calories from sugar consumed (P=0.0077) than did children with less than two risk alleles. Children with two Taq1a risk alleles demonstrated significantly higher total body fat (P=0.0145), body fat percentage (P=0.0377), intra-abdominal adiposity (P=0.0459), subcutaneous abdominal adiposity (P=0.0213) and total abdominal adiposity (P=0.0209) than did children with one or no Taq1a risk alleles. Our results suggest that having two Taq1a risk alleles is associated with an increase in reported calorie and sugar consumption and is a potential risk factor for early development of excess adiposity in multi-ethnic children. These results need to be confirmed in a larger sample.

The Effects of Korean Fathers’ Acceptance of Immigrant Mothers’ Native Language on Multiethnic Children’s Attitudes Toward Their Mothers’ Culture: The Mediating Effects of Mothers’ Participation in Home-Country Activities and Parent-Child Relationship

The Effects of Korean Fathers’ Acceptance of Immigrant Mothers’ Native Language on Multiethnic Children’s Attitudes Toward Their Mothers’ Culture: The Mediating Effects of Mothers’ Participation in Home-Country Activities and Parent-Child Relationship

Low-Income, African American and American Indian Children's Viewpoints on Body Image Assessment Tools and Body Satisfaction: A Mixed Methods Study.

Objectives Pediatric obesity is complicated by many factors including psychological issues, such as body dissatisfaction. Body image assessment tools are used with children to measure their acceptance of their body shape or image. Limited research has been conducted with African American and American Indian children to understand their opinions on assessment tools created. This study investigated: (a) children's perception about body image and (b) differences between two body image instruments among low-income, multi-ethnic children. Methods This study uses mixed methodology including focus groups (qualitative) and body image assessment instruments (quantitative). Fifty-one children participated (25 girls, 26 boys); 53% of children identified as African American and 47% as American Indian. The average age was 10.4years. Open coding methods were used by identify themes from focus group data. SPSS was used for quantitative analysis. Results Children preferred the Figure Rating Scale (FRS/silhouette) instrument over the Children's Body Image Scale (CBIS/photo) because their body parts and facial features were more detailed. Children formed their body image perception with influence from their parents and the media. Children verbalized that they have experienced negative consequences related to poor body image including disordered eating habits, depression, and bullying. Healthy weight children are also aware of weight-related bullying that obese and overweight children face. Conclusions for Practice Children prefer that the images on a body image assessment tool have detailed facial features and are clothed. Further research into body image assessment tools for use with African American and American Indian children is needed.

Epidemiology of Reduced Visual Acuity among Chinese Multiethnic Students

Data regarding the epidemiology of reduced visual acuity (VA) among multiethnic children and adolescents in China are few. Understanding the vision-related health inequalities among different ethnic groups is crucial for health resource allocations and clinical managements for eye diseases. We aim to determine the prevalence, main causes, and health inequalities of reduced VA in multiethnic school students in rural China. A school-based eye survey including 7681 multiethnic school students aged 5 to 16 years in the southwestern part of China was conducted. Detailed ocular examinations including VA measurements, ocular motility evaluations, bilateral postcycloplegic refractions, and the assessments of the external eye, anterior segment, media, and retinal fundus were carried out by trained research vision professionals. Visual acuity was measured using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution E-chart, and reduced VA was defined as a presenting VA of worse than 20/40. Concentration index was initiatively utilized to measure health inequalities among different ethnic groups. The prevalence of reduced VA was 11.4 per 100 children (95% confidence interval, 10.7 to 12.1%) based on the worse-seeing eye data. The prevalence of reduced VA increased with increasing age (P < .001 for trend) and was higher among girls compared with boys (P < .0001). Uncorrected refractive error was the principal cause for reduced VA, which accounted for 87.3% of the participants with reduced VA. The concentration index for reduced VA was 0.07 among different ethnic groups. Compared with the estimates reported from previous studies on Chinese children and adolescents, a relatively lower prevalence of reduced VA was observed among multiethnic school students in rural China. Ethnic variations and health inequalities of reduced VA were not significant in this study.

School-based assessment of amblyopia and strabismus among multiethnic children in rural China

We aimed to determine the prevalence and possible ethnic variations in strabismus and amblyopia among multiethnic school-aged children in rural China. A total of 9,263 children (4,347 Han, 3,352 Yi, 799 Dai and 765 Bai) aged 6 to 14 years were analyzed. Comprehensive eye examinations including monocular distance visual acuity, anterior segment examination, autorefraction, cover testing and ocular motility were conducted. Manifested strabismus was detected in 3.53% of the overall population. The prevalence of strabismus was 3.29% in Han, 4.12% in Yi, 2.25% in Dai, and 3.66% in Bai ethnic groups with marginally inter-ethnic differences (P = 0.046). There was an increasing trend in the prevalence of strabismus with increasing age (P < 0.001). Amblyopia affected 132 children (1.43%) overall, with no statistical differences in gender and age. The prevalence of amblyopia was highest in Dai ethnic group (2.00%) and lowest in ethnic Yi ethnic group (1.04%) with no significant difference being detected (P = 0.062). Refractive error and strabismus were the two major factors associated with amblyopia. No significant ethnic differences in strabismus and amblyopia among Chinese ethnic minorities were observed. Refractive error and strabismus were the major causes for amblyopia in rural Chinese children.

Obesity Prevention Program in Childcare Centers: Two-Year Follow-Up.

To assess the impact of an early childhood obesity prevention intervention "Healthy Caregivers-Healthy Children" (HC2) on dietary patterns and body mass index percentile (PBMI) over 2 school years. Randomized controlled trial. Childcare centers. Low-income families. Intervention centers (N = 12) received HC2 which consisted of (1) menu modifications, (2) a healthy eating and physical activity curriculum for children, and (3) a parent curriculum for healthy meal preparation, reinforced through a role-modeling curriculum. Control centers (N = 16) received an injury prevention/safety intervention. Child PBMI and parent report of child's consumption of fruits/vegetables and unhealthy food. Confirmatory factor analysis verified the psychometric properties of factor scores for children's consumption of fruits/vegetables and unhealthy food. Growth curve analysis assessed the impact of HC2 on change in consumption of fruits/vegetables and unhealthy food and PBMI over 2 school years. Children in the intervention group (n = 754) had a negative slope (β = -1.95, standard error [SE] = 0.97, P = .04), indicating less increase in PBMI versus control children (n = 457). Stratified analyses showed that obese children in the intervention arm had a significantly higher increase in fruit/vegetable consumption versus control group obese children (β = 0.24, SE = 0.08, P = .003). The HC2 intervention resulted in the maintenance of healthy PBMI over 2 preschool years among low-income multiethnic children. These findings support efforts to implement healthy weight programs in the childcare setting.

Development and validation of a food frequency questionnaire for dietary intake assessment among multi-ethic primary school-aged children

This study aimed to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess habitual diets of multi-ethnic Malaysian children aged 7-12 years. A total of 236 primary school children participated in the development of the FFQ and 209 subjects participated in the validation study, with a subsample of 30 subjects participating in the reproducibility study. The FFQ, consisting of 94 food items from 12 food groups, was compared with a three-day dietary record (3DR) as the reference method. The reproducibility of the FFQ was assessed through repeat administration (FFQ2), seven days after the first administration (FFQ1). The results of the validation study demonstrated good acceptance of the FFQ. Mean intake of macronutrients in FFQ1 and 3DR correlated well, although the FFQ intake data tended to be higher. Cross-classification of nutrient intake between the two methods showed that < 7% of subjects were grossly misclassified. Moderate correlations noted between the two methods ranged from r = 0.310 (p < 0.001) for fat to r = 0.497 (p < 0.001) for energy. The reproducibility of the FFQ, as assessed by Cronbach's alpha, ranged from 0.61 (protein) to 0.70 (energy, carbohydrates and fat). Spearman's correlations between FFQ1 and FFQ2 ranged from rho = 0.333 (p = 0.072) for protein to rho = 0.479 (p < 0.01) for fat. These findings indicate that the FFQ is valid and reliable for measuring the average intake of energy and macronutrients in a population of multi-ethnic children aged 7-12 years in Malaysia.

Impaired quality of life in treatment-seeking obese children of Dutch, Moroccan, Turkish and Surinamese descent.

To determine the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of overweight and obese multi-ethnic children compared with normal-weight children; and to investigate differences in HRQOL between self- and parent-proxy reports and ethnic groups. Prospective cross-sectional study. Out-patient clinic where children and their parents filled out a validated HRQOL questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-52) and height, weight, waist circumference and fat percentage were measured. Overweight and obese children, aged 8-18 years (mean BMI Z-score 3·2 (sd 0·6)), from the obesity out-patient clinic. Three hundred and eight self- and 213 parent-proxy reported questionnaires were completed. Global HRQOL and the Physical Wellbeing, Moods & Emotions and Self-Perception subscales were markedly reduced in our multi-ethnic obese cohort, relative to the Dutch reference values. Parent proxies reported significantly lower on the global HRQOL and the Physical Wellbeing, Moods & Emotions and Bullying subscales. In Caucasian children, multivariate analyses showed that BMI was associated with the quality-of-life subscales Moods & Emotions, Self-Perception and Bullying. HRQOL was markedly reduced in our multi-ethnic overweight and obese out-patient clinic cohort, with significantly lower parent-proxy scores compared with self-reported scores. We believe intervention programmes aiming to improve HRQOL should be directed to both parents and children, while ethnic-specific programmes to enhance HRQOL seem of less importance.

Vitamin D status in overweight and obese Malaysian school children and its relationship with metabolic syndrome

Obesity is a rising health problem, with increasing prevalence in children and adolescents. Lower vitamin D is linked to increased adiposity and higher risk of metabolic syndrome. However, evidence from tropical Asian countries is limited, especially in children and adolescents. To examine the relationship between vitamin D level and BMI, abnormal glucose profile, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome markers in the overweight/ obese secondary school children. A cross sectional study in multiethnic secondary school children aged 13 -17 years was performed. Anthropometric measurements: height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure were obtained. Blood for fasting glucose/ lipids/ insulin, and vitamin D (25 (OH)D) were taken. Oral glucose tolerance test was also performed. Insulin resistance indices were calculated based on homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. A total of 543 subjects were enrolled. Forty eight percent were overweight/obese. Most of them (62%) were vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/L), 32% were vitamin D insufficient (50 to <75 nmol/L) and only 6% were vitamin D sufficient (≥ 75 nmol/L). Mean 25(OH)D in the overweight/ obese group was 44.3±15.9nmol/L and was significantly lower compared to the non overweight/obese group (47.9±19.4nmol/L); (p=0.018). Females had lower mean vitamin D level (43.2±15.9nmol/L) compared to males (53.6±19.6nmol/L) (p<0.001). The Chinese had the highest mean vitamin D level (65.9±16.4nmol/L), followed by Malays (44.2±16.9nmol/L) and Indians (39.5±13.3nmol/L) (p<0.001). Among those who were overweight and obese, metabolic syndrome was present in 58 (22%) of them. No significant relationship was found between 25(OH)D level and abnormal glucose profile, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome markers among the overweight/ obese participants. The overweight/ obese females had 78% prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, compared to 59% in overweight/ obese males. Overweight/ obese Indians had the highest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (82%) followed by Malays (70%) and Chinese (20%). Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Malaysian adolescents despite an abundance of sunlight. Lower vitamin D levels are associated with female gender, ethnic groups with darker skin and obesity. However, no relationship was found between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome.

Clinical decision limits for interpretation of direct bilirubin — A CALIPER study of healthy multiethnic children and case report reviews

ObjectiveMeasurement of total and direct bilirubin is routinely performed for the differential diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemias. The diagnostic efficiency of a test is dependent on the chosen clinical decision limit. This study is designed to address the clinical decision limits for direct bilirubin. Design and methodsRoutine laboratory method was used to measure total and direct bilirubin in children up to the age of 18years. Case study data and serum from a group of healthy children were analyzed and statistical exercise was performed to establish decision limits. ResultsThe reference interval for total bilirubin was 1–12μmol/L and for direct bilirubin 1–9μmol/L with the median direct bilirubin of 3μmol/L. In 17% of children with non-pathological jaundice, median total bilirubin was 173μmol/L, median direct bilirubin was 8μmol/L and median direct bilirubin percent was 49%. From birth direct bilirubin percentage decreased until total bilirubin was 41μmol/L, then it remained at ≤10%. Albumin increased with age, and was on average 2.4g/L higher when measured using bromocresol-green compared with bromocresol-purple. An increased amount of direct bilirubin was observed when albumin (detected using the bromocresol-purple method) was >35g/L. ConclusionsDirect bilirubin concentration of ≥10μmol/L should be used to consider the presence of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia provided that total bilirubin is also above the reference interval. A high direct bilirubin percentage is unlikely to offer any clinical value when total bilirubin is not increased. It is, however, a useful diagnostic tool when there is a persistence of hyperbilirubinemia or when total bilirubin increases during times of stress with direct bilirubin >10%.

Applicability of the global lung function spirometry equations in contemporary multiethnic children.

R Bonner, S Lum, J Stocks, J Kirkby, A Wade, S Sonnappa. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;188(4):515–516 In 2012, as a result of the Global Lung Function Initiative, the first global, all-age (3–95 years of age), multiethnic reference equations for spirometry (GLI-2012) were published. The authors of the present paper, as part of the Size and Lung Function in Children study, sought to investigate existing ethnic differences in lung function in a multiethnic population of children and to validate the …

Taking steps together: a family- and community-based obesity intervention for urban, multiethnic children.

Successful childhood obesity intervention models that build sustainable behavioral change are needed, particularly in low-income, ethnic minority communities disparately affected by this problem. Families were referred to Taking Steps Together (TST) by their primary care provider if at least one child had a body mass index ≥85%. The TST intervention comprised 16 weekly 2-hour classes including educational activities, group cooking/eating, and physical activities for parents and children. TST's approach emphasized building self-efficacy, targeting both children and parents for healthy change, and fostering intrinsic motivation for healthier living. Pre-post intervention data were collected on health-related behaviors using a survey, and trained staff measured weight and height. Adults (n = 33) and children (n = 62) were largely Hispanic/Latino and low-income. Adults and children significantly increased their fruit and vegetable consumption and weekly physical activity, and adults significantly decreased sugared beverage consumption and screen time. No change in body mass index was observed for adults or children. This family-focused childhood obesity intervention integrated evidence-based principles with a nonprescriptive approach and produced significant improvements in key healthy behaviors for both adults and children.

Detection of early diastolic alterations by Tissue Doppler Imaging in untreated childhood-onset essential hypertension

The aim of the study was to determine the presence of preclinical diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive children relative to normotensive children by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI). We prospectively enrolled children with untreated essential hypertension in absence of any other disease and a matched healthy control group with normal blood pressure (BP); both groups confirmed by clinic BP and a 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Echocardiographic diastolic parameters were determined using spectral transmitral inflow Doppler, flow propagation velocity, TDI, and systolic parameters were determined via midwall shortening fraction and ejection fraction. A total of 80 multiethnic children were prospectively enrolled for the study: 46 hypertensive (median age, 13 years; 72% males) and 34 control (median age, 14 years; 65% males). The only echocardiography parameters that had a statistically significant change compared with the control children, were regional mitral Ea, Aa, and the E/Ea ratio by TDI. In comparison with controls, hypertensive children had lower Ea and Aa velocities of anterior and posterior walls and higher lateral wall E/Ea ratio. The decrease in posterior wall Ea and Aa remained significant after adjustment for gender, age, body mass index, ethnicity, and left ventricular hypertrophy on multivariate analysis. The lateral and septal wall E/Ea ratios correlated significantly with fasting serum insulin levels on similar multivariate analysis. Decreased regional TDI velocities were seen with preserved left ventricular systolic function even when other measures of diastolic dysfunction remained unchanged in untreated hypertensive children. Hypertension and serum insulin levels had strong associations with preclinical diastolic alterations in children.

Aortic dilatation in children with systemic hypertension

The aim of the study was to determine the presence of aortic dilatation in hypertensive children, the prevalence of which is 4% to 10% in hypertensive adults. Prospectively enrolled multiethnic children, untreated for their hypertension, underwent an echocardiogram to exclude congenital heart disease and evaluate for end-organ damage and aortic size. The aorta was measured in the parasternal long-axis view at three levels: the sinus of Valsalva, supra-tubular junction, and the ascending aorta. Aortic dilatation was determined by z-score >2 at any one of the levels measured. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure above the 95th percentile based on the Fourth Working Group criteria confirmed by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Among 142 consecutive hypertensive children (median age, 14 years; 45% females) aortic dilatation was detected in 2.8% (95% confidence interval, 1%–7%; median age, 16 years; 100% females). Children with aortic dilatation, when compared with those without, had significantly more aortic valve insufficiency (P = .005) and left ventricular hypertrophy (P = .018). Prevalence of aortic dilatation was 2.8% and was associated with significantly more aortic insufficiency and left ventricular hypertrophy in comparison to those without aortic dilatation.

The Role of Parent Psychopathology in the Development of Preschool Children with Behavior Problems

The present study examined associations between early parental self-reported psychopathology symptoms and the later behavioral, emotional, and social functioning of preschool children with behavior problems. Mothers and fathers of preschoolers with behavior problems (N = 132; 55 girls, 77 boys) completed parent psychopathology questionnaires when children were 3 years old and completed measures of children's externalizing, internalizing, and social problems annually from age 3 to age 6. The sample included 61% European American, 16% Latino (predominantly Puerto Rican), 10% African American, and 13% multiethnic children. Every dimension of mothers’ and fathers’ psychopathology symptoms when children were 3 years old was associated with their own reports of children's externalizing and internalizing problems 3 years later. Several dimensions of maternal psychopathology symptoms at age 3 were associated with mother-reported social skills 3 years later. However, the relation between many dimensions of psychopathology symptoms and child outcome appears to be accounted for by co-occurring psychopathology symptoms. Only maternal attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Cluster A symptoms, and paternal ADHD and depression/anxiety symptoms emerged as unique predictors of child functioning. These findings suggest that most types of mothers’ and fathers’ self-reported psychopathology symptoms may play a role in the prognosis of behavioral, social, and emotional outcomes of preschoolers with behavior problems, but that co-occurring symptoms need to be considered.

Associations of the lactase persistence allele and lactose intake with body composition among multiethnic children

Childhood obesity is a worldwide health concern with a multifaceted and sometimes confounding etiology. Dairy products have been implicated as both pro- and anti-obesogenic, perhaps due to the confounding relationship between dairy, lactose consumption, and potential genetic predisposition. We aimed to understand how lactase persistence influenced obesity-related traits by observing the relationships among lactose consumption, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) near the lactase (LCT) gene and body composition parameters in a sample of multiethnic children (n=296, 7-12years old). We hypothesized that individuals with the lactase persistence (LP) allele of the LCT SNP (rs4988235) would exhibit a greater degree of adiposity and that this relationship would be mediated by lactose consumption. Body composition variables were measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry and a registered dietitian assessed dietary intake of lactose. Statistical models were adjusted for sex, age, pubertal stage, ethnic group, genetic admixture, socio-economic status, and total energy intake. Our findings indicate a positive, significant association between the LP allele and body mass index (p=0.034), fat mass index (FMI) (p=0.043), and waist circumference (p=0.008), with associations being stronger in males than in females. Our results also reveal that lactose consumption is positively and nearly significantly associated with FMI.