Tracie Barnett

Biography

Researcher, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center Professor, Department of epidemiology, INRS (Institut national de la recherche scientifique) Education Post-doctorate in Health Promotion, Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en santé (GRIS) and Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal (2004-2007) PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University (1998-2004)

Research Interest

Cardiovascular risk factor profile and metabolic health of children and adolescents Obesity, physical activity, sedentary behaviours, dietary habits Methods of longitudinal data analysis Influence of residential neighbourhoods and schools The importance of establishing or maintaining healthy cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor profiles in childhood and adolescence is indisputable; thus, early prevention of the behavioural determinants that increase CVD risk is needed. Indeed, prevention is critical, with numerous studies documenting disturbing trends including poorer dietary behaviours, declines in physical activity, and steep increases in youth obesity. Obesity is a mediator of CVD risk in youth through various mechanisms including increased blood pressure, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperdyslipidemia. Although obesity is a complex multi-factorial condition with wide ranging causes including genetic, biological, social, and behavioural factors, the steep and rapid increase even among genetically stable populations suggests that the etiology is largely environmental in origin. Physical and social environments described by the neighbourhood, school, and family home are complex settings, and their relative importance changes as children age and develop. My research is designed to investigate the relative influence of specific dimensions of physical and social environments on the incidence and progression of CVD risk factors through childhood and adolescence. Designed to address the obesity pandemic in youth as well as CVD risk in general, my research strives to elucidate environmental influences on cardiovascular health in children that will help to develop effective public policies in order to support physical activity, limit sedentary pursuits, and reduce the consumption of excess calories, ultimately leading to healthier generations of youth.