The HCS is an observational study of communities conducted over five years that aims to
(1) determine the associations between community programs/policies and body mass index (BMI), diet, and physical activity in children; and (2) identify the community, family, child factors that modify or mediate the associations between community programs/policies and BMI, diet, and physical activity in children. A total of 279 communities and over 23,000 children and their parents will be part of the HCS. A HCS community is defined as a high school catchment area and the age range of children is 3-15 years upon entry into the study. Data will be collected on at least 78 children within each community (three boys and three girls for each yearly age interval). The study will examine quantitative and qualitative information obtained from community-based initiatives, community characteristics (e.g., school environment), and from child and parent assessments and measurements of physical activity levels and dietary practices of children, and children's and parent's BMI.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.