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Predictors of Overweight and Obesity in Early Care and Education Teachers during COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Susan B. Sisson

    (Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Stonewall Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA)

  • Adrien Malek-Lasater

    (Department of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum, College of Education and Human Services, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA)

  • Timothy G. Ford

    (Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, The University of Oklahoma, 4502 E. 41st Street, 4W101, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA)

  • Diane Horm

    (Early Childhood Education Institute, The University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, 4502 E. 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA
    Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, University of Oklahoma, 820 Van Vleet, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

  • Kyong-Ah Kwon

    (Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, University of Oklahoma, 820 Van Vleet, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine individual, sociocultural, policy, and economic predictors of overweight/obesity in early care and education (ECE) teachers to identify modifiable opportunities to enhance the health of this critical workforce. ECE teachers (n = 1434) in the U.S. completed an online survey in late spring to mid-summer 2020. Teachers self-reported height and weight; body mass index (BMI) and weight status were calculated. Teachers reported micro-environment variables including age, race, gender, obesogenic lifestyle behaviors, well-being, food security, personal health, stress, job stress, type of ECE, COVID-19 teaching modality, and age of children in the classroom. Logistic regression predicting overweight/obesity and linear regression predicting BMI were conducted. Teachers with more years of teaching experience (OR: 1.022: 95% CI 1.005, 1.039) and higher consumption of fast food (2.038: 1.310, 3.169) had higher odds of overweight/obesity. Teachers with higher levels of education (0.58: 0.407, 0.828) and higher physical health (0.836: 0.775, 0.902) had lower odds of overweight/obesity. Other variables were not associated with overweight/obesity. Variables significant in logistic regression were also associated with higher BMI. Additionally, Native American race (β = 2.467 SE = 1.206) and sedentary hours/day (β = 0.152 SE = 0.075) were associated with higher BMI. Implications for enhancing workplace health for these ECE teachers are emerging.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan B. Sisson & Adrien Malek-Lasater & Timothy G. Ford & Diane Horm & Kyong-Ah Kwon, 2023. "Predictors of Overweight and Obesity in Early Care and Education Teachers during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2763-:d:1057594
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    References listed on IDEAS

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