Biomedical subjects

M E Pritchard

Publications and source records attributed to M E Pritchard.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Adolescent body mass indices and self-perception.

This study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) of adolescents and their perceived-weight status and self-concept, controlling for confounding factors. The data base was drawn from the High School and Beyond (HSB) study, which included 17,318 females and 15,878 males. BMI was calculated using self-reported weights and heights. Response variables included a self-concept index and evaluation of the statement "I am overweight." While respondents' perception of overweight status was accompanied by higher mean BMI values, there were discrepancies in perceived-weight and BMI-weight status. Logistic regression of explanatory variables on perception of overweight status revealed that BMI was the strongest predictor, gender was the second strongest, and the odds of perception of overweight status were higher for females than males by a factor of more than eight. Ordinary least squares regression of explanatory variables on the self-concept index revealed that perception of normal weight status, lower BMI, and male gender were strong predictors of positive self-concept. The findings indicate that substantial numbers of teenage females perceive themselves as overweight when BMI values suggest they are not, while males have a reasonably accurate weight perception.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Factors associated with alcohol use in young adulthood.

The purpose of the study was to identify characteristics associated with higher levels of alcohol use in individuals who are between 24 and 25 years of age. Data from the 1982 and 1986 U.S. High School and Beyond longitudinal study (n = 8,875) were used to examine the relationship between the response variables, frequency, and intensity of alcohol use in 1986, and the explanatory variables which included alcohol use in 1982. Comparison of alcohol use in the two time periods revealed an increase in the percentage of respondents who consumed high levels of alcohol, while abstention from drinking remained relatively constant. Frequency of alcohol use in 1986 was related to use in 1982, gender, ethnicity, and family orientation.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Factors associated with alcohol use in later adolescence.

The relative influence of a number of family and individual characteristics on the frequency and intensity of alcohol use in a group of older adolescents was assessed. The sample consisted of 8,661 persons ranging in age from 20 to 21 years obtained from the "High School and Beyond" study. Logistic regression analyses performed on both frequency and intensity of alcohol use indicated that white males from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, living in urban or suburban areas and having an external locus of control and a weak family orientation, tended to drink more frequently and consume a larger quantity of alcohol per drinking episode. Results are explained from a sociocultural perspective.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Factors associated with adolescent saving and spending patterns.

This study examined the saving and spending behaviors of 1,619 employed high school seniors from over 1,000 private and public schools across the United States. Students were categorized as savers, necessity spenders, and discretionary spenders based on their responses to the question, "How do you spend the money that you earn?" Associations of student spending and saving patterns with individual and family factors were analyzed. Student savers were from families who saved and planned money use. Students who spent more for necessities were from families with fewer resources and greater financial difficulties. Discretionary spenders felt that money was important and were from families with higher income and socioeconomic status. Findings are discussed in light of the importance of families as socializing agents of their children.

Adolescent↗