Bailey Ortyl
I am currently a senior Epidemiology BSPH student. My current research includes collecting and analyzing survey data for the ‘eatNplay’ project. My topics of interest include childhood and adult obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in younger adult populations. I enjoy working with data in statistical programs, and I am going to pursue a Masters in Biostatistics starting in the Fall of 2022 at Indiana University Bloomington.
The Effects of Food Stamps and Family Type on Childhood Obesity: An Analysis of Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, 2020
Background: Children in single-parent families have greater exposure to the risk factors associated with childhood obesity compared to two-parent families. SNAP is a limited resource that allows families to purchase food items and is based on family size and income. 1 in 3 children are considered overweight/obese and may suffer chronic health conditions. The aim was to determine if there was any association between family type and a child’s BMI class as well if SNAP benefits moderate that association.
Methods: A secondary data analysis of the 2020 NSCH survey data was done. Logistic regression-based propensity score matching was used to demographically match samples based on family type to control confounding. The overall sample had disproportionally matched race. Logistic regression and Chi-square procedures were performed in SAS to determine associations among variables, including hours of sleep, screentime, and daily physical activity.
Results: SNAP use was significantly associated with childhood obesity in single-parent families [OR=1.24;95%CI=1.07-1.43]. Children had greater odds of having a high BMI in single-parent households compared to two-parent households [OR=1.18;95%CI=1.08-1.30]. The number of children with overweight/obesity in the single-parent group was three times the number in the two-parent group among families who had received SNAP benefits (Nsingle=1222,Ntwoparent=453,p<0.0001).
Conclusions: Compared to children in single-parent and two-parent households that do not receive SNAP benefits, children in single-parent households that did receive SNAP benefits were at an increased risk of childhood obesity. Future implications can include providing educational nutrition programs along with SNAP that can help parents budget their benefits appropriately.
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