Data Briefs

The Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC), the Child Health Data Lab, and Healthy Places are pleased to present findings from the 2011-2012 fielding of the Illinois Health Survey for Youth (IHSY). IHSY is a random digit dial survey designed to obtain information from caregivers about the health and healthcare of children under age 18 in their care. Healthy Places will be releasing periodic data briefs on various areas of focus examined in the IHSY.

Parents Support Healthy Environments in Chicago

Data show parent support for government involvement to promote healthy communities. As part of Healthy Places, the Illinois Health Survey for Youth polled parents on their views on the role of government in creating healthy communities. Support for government, and the willingness to pay higher taxes for this involvement, is very high. You can read the data brief here and the press release announcing the data brief here.

Breastfeeding Rates and Perceptions

Data support the need for Chicago hospitals to have institutionalized policies and systems that support breastfeeding, particularly for areas that serve a low-income patient population. As a part of Healthy Places, the Illinois Health Survey for Youth polled parents about their views of breastfeeding and the prevalence of breastfeeding among Chicago families. Survey results showed that race and ethnicity play a role in a child's likelihood of being breastfed as an infant, and both race and income influence preferences for a hospital that provides free baby formula to new parents. Better institutionalized hospital policies may therefore assist those less likely to breastfeed. You can read the data brief here and the press release announcing the data brief here.

Health Gaps in Chicago's Children

Data show that Chicago children need significant support in order to incorporate healthy options into their routine. As a part of Healthy Places, the Illinois Health Survey for Youth polled caregivers about the health and healthcare of children under 18 as it relates to the five criteria of 5-4-3-2-1 Go!, a healthy lifestyle message designed to create an easy way to remember how to eat healthy and embrace an active lifestyle. Eight years ago, the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC) developed 5-4-3-2-1 Go ! to promote these daily recommendations for children and families: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 4 servings of water, 3 servings of low-fat dairy, 2 hours or less of screen time, and 1 hour or more of physical activity. Survey results show that fewer than 40 percent of Chicago children ages 0-17 meet any of the five daily recommendations, with the lowest percentage of achievement around the active play criteria. Low-income and minority children hold the greatest risk of not meeting most goals. Read the full press release here. See the data brief here.