Nutrition and Weight Management Behaviors: Public and Private High School Adolescents

Silas N. Pearman III, DrPH, CHES; William G. Thatcher, PhD, MSPH; Robert F. Valois, PhD, MPH; J. Wanzer Drane, PE, PhD  

Objective: To examine differences in weight control and nutritional behaviors among public (PUBHS) and private (PVTHS) high school students (n=6,627). Methods: The 1995 YRBS was utilized. Chi-square analyses compared PVTHS and PUBHS. Results: PVTHS females were more likely to diet and exercise than PUBHS females (p less than .01). PUBHS males were more likely to attempt to gain weight than were PVTHS males (p less than .001). PVTHS students were more likely to consume fruit, juice, green salad, and cooked vegetables than were PUBHS students (p less than .001). Moreover, PUBHS students were more likely to consume meat and fried foods than were PVTHS students (p less than .01). Conclusion: PVTHS students may make healthier choices regarding eating compared to those made by PUBHS students.

Am J Health Behav 2000;24(3):220-228