Pediatric Behavioral EpidemiologyXinguang (Jim) Chen, MD, PhD

Pediatric Prevention Research Centerjimchen@med.wayne.edu

Behavior, Morbidity and Mortality

Rates of disease morbidity and premature mortality reflect people's behavioral practices (Healthy People 2010).

Substance use: Tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs

HIV risk behaviors: Sexual risk, needle sharing,

Physical activity: Overweight/obesity, mental health

Eating behavior: Nutrition and metabolic syndrome

Why Epidemiology?

To grasp a fuller picture of an issue (including, tobacco exposure, asthma, obesity, leukemia, etc)

To detect disease etiology at various levels, ranging from molecular, genetic, to behavioral, environmental & social

To take measures for health promotion and disease prevention at group levels (e.g., tobacco control campaigns, vaccination programs, etc)

To understand mechanisms involved in behavioral change (e.g., dynamic progression), disease spreading and disease prevention (e.g., Herd immunity) via modeling analysis.

Geographic Distribution of Obese Children 3-5 Years Old from Low Income Families

2006-08

Data source: CDC Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System (PedNSS)

Trends in the Prevalence of Obesity (BMI>95th Percentile) in Pre-School Children

(2-5 Years Old)

Data source: CDC Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System (PedNSS)

Trends in the Prevalence of Obesity (BMI≥30) among US Adults (20-39 Years

Old)

Created using data from: Flegal et al, JAMA, 2010, 303 (3): 325-241 Original data: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Changes in Smoking Behavior During Pregnancy Among Smoking Mothers

(N=160)

Data source: Chen & Woodcroft, 2009, Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 11(3): 225-33

Polymorphic CYP2A6 and Changes in Maternal Smoking Behavior During

Pregnancy

Data source: Chen & Woodcroft, 2009, Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 11(3): 225-33

Questions and Answers

Thank You