Behavioral Research on Acculturation and moderating and mediating Variables Observed Specifically among Latinos: BRAVOS

Childhood obesity is on the rise in the US, with an estimated 12.7% of children aged 2-5 classified as obese. Preventing childhood obesity can reduce risk for adult comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer. One possible influence on childhood obesity risk is parental behaviors. A key dietary determinant of obesity is daily fruit and vegetable intake (FVI). A majority of the existing evidence among preschool-aged children (PSAC) is cross-sectional. New technology that uses reflection spectroscopy on the skin to measure carotenoids non-invasively, is a promising tool to easily and reliably detect carotenoid biomarkers especially when compared to self-reported dietary measures. The longitudinal mechanisms through which parental behaviors affect their PSAC FVI, and Body Mass Index (BMI) remain to be fully elucidated. Nevada is a suitable setting due to its high prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity. We will recruit a cohort of 251 parents-PSAC dyads and follow them for three years. The specific aims are to: 1) Examine the association of parental behaviors with child outcomes: FVI, and BMI percentile over time, 2) Test the feasibility and acceptability of skin carotenoid biomarker measurement among PSAC, 3) Evaluate carotenoid biomarkers and their association with FVI via 24-hour recalls among parents as proxy reporters for their children. This R16 SuRE-First award will accelerate Dr. Johansen's program of research on determinants of PSACs obesity risk, develop his expertise in longitudinal studies, and provide UNLV students with opportunities to participate in high-quality applied biomedical research.