Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this quantitative correlational research study was to determine the degree of relationship between Hispanic Head Start students’ attendance and their obesity levels using ex post facto data. The population for this study included data from de-identified students from 3 districts in Southern California. The correlational coefficient was determined using single linear regression.
Theoretical Framework. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and zone of proximal development theory framework served as the model for this quantitative, correlational research study to determine the degree of relationship between attendance and obesity levels of Hispanic children attending Head Start. Vygotsky’s focus is on language, communication, the guidance the educator can provide to assist children to encompass a more potential developmental level in any learning endeavor.
Methodology. Utilizing a consolidated dataset from three districts, district A, district B, & district C, linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted from SPSS to explore the study's research questions. A nonexperimental, retrospective, correlational research study design was used to determine whether the independent variable, Hispanic children’s Head Start attendance, correlated with the dependent variable, obesity levels, by comparing the weight levels of Head Start students from 3 districts in Southern California who were in attendance all year long. De-identified student and demographic data information were used.
Findings & Conclusion. Among children from three districts, District A, District B, & District C, classified as overweight, approximately 54.67% of program participants experienced weight loss over the program duration. This finding is indicative of weight loss in this subgroup. No clear trends were found in scatterplots between program duration and BMI change or final BMI for the entire 3 districts. However, among overweight children there was a slight suggestion that the potential for weight loss increased with program duration.
Recommendations. Future studies should examine strategies to conduct a longitudinal study. Also, to include other races of children. Furthermore, a comparison among boys and girls, children state to state, comparison with attendance by race, and examining a comparison of several years. A suggested qualitative research study focusing on teachers’ perspectives and their focus on better nutrition and their focus to maintain attendance.