Prevalence and Behavioral Risk Factors of Obesity and Overweight amongst Children at Fifth and Sixth Grade in Primary School in AL-Najaf Province. Iraq , 2018

Authors

  • منى حمزة السلطاني مسلمة

Abstract

Background:-Childhood obesity describe as one of the major vital and difficult public health issues in developed as well as developing countries. The World Health Organization graded overweight and obesity as the 5th leading international risk for mortality. School youth is describe a special period throughout the kids endure adjustments or develop. So, it should be carefully followed.  

Aim:- To assessment the prevalence of obesity and overweight in the 5th and 6th grad in primary school at age (10-12)  in AL-Najaf Province and associated risk factors.

Methods:-Descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 16 governmental schools , 8 private primary schools in AL-Najaf Province between 1st  of February to the 30th   of August 2018.with a total number of (800) child aged (10-12) were included. The Body Mass Index was used as indicator for overweight/obesity

Results:- The prevalence of obesity and overweight  amongst primary school children in AL-Najaf Province were 39.4%. About 12.9% were  overweight and 26.5% were  obese. There was significant associated with child's age,  obesity and education of parent's, size and income of family, fast food intake, physical inactivity, Transport method to school, Type of the school, sleep pattern, time spent in watching television. a short period of breastfeeding, skipping breakfast, a high consumption of sugary beverages, eating outside the home, There was no statistical significant regarding gender, weekly fresh fruits consumption. The data were coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences( SPSS) version 18. So, the statistical significance was assessed by Pearson Chi-Square (χ2) test with P-value of (<0.05 )   

Conclusion:- The prevalence of overweight and obesity is relatively high among children in primary school in AL-Najaf Province

Published

2020-02-24

How to Cite

السلطاني م. ح. (2020). Prevalence and Behavioral Risk Factors of Obesity and Overweight amongst Children at Fifth and Sixth Grade in Primary School in AL-Najaf Province. Iraq , 2018. Karbala Journal of Medicine, 12(2), 2220–2233. Retrieved from https://journals.uokerbala.edu.iq/index.php/kj/article/view/651

Issue

Section

review article