A prospective study of parentally bereaved youth, caregiver depression, and body mass index.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) in bereaved youth and nonbereaved controls 5 years after a parent's death. The study was conducted from August 9, 2002, through December 31, 2013.

Design

A prospective, longitudinal, controlled study of the effects of sudden parental death on youth.

Setting

Bereaved families were recruited through coroner records and by advertisement. Nonbereaved families were recruited using random-digit dialing and by advertisement.

Participants

123 parentally bereaved offspring were compared with 122 nonbereaved control offspring, all of whom were aged 11-25 years at the 5-year assessment.

Main exposure

Bereavement status, type of parental death (accident, suicide, or sudden natural death), and histor

SUBMITTER: Weinberg RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4037809 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature