Abstract

A CLINICO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF OBESITY INPRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TIKRIT PROVINCE

Ayid Tuma Hasan*, Nibras Othman Teek, Assist. Prof. Dr. Emad R. Al-Sadoon

ABSTRACT

Childhood obesity is a growing problem and an increasing public health concern in the developed countries. Even more worrying is the increasing prevalence of obesity in developing countries. Childhood obesity is a well-recognized problem all over the world. Obesity can cause other medical problems in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. The current study represents an observational, cross-sectional study by using a multistage-stratified random sampling technique which included six hundred and eleven students (girls and boys), from randomly chosen primary schools. The study was conducted in Tikrit province from February through May 2009 to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school students between the ages from 7 to 13 years in Tikrit province and to identify some of their possible risk factors. Body mass index and midarm-arm circumference were measured and compared to standard tables using international cut-off points. Blood pressure and random blood sugar were measured for all students. Informations on possible risk factors were collected by questionnaire. The total number of cases was 5830 students. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 41(16%) and 98(6.7%), respectively. Significant associations were found between overweight and age, residency (urban-rural), family history, social level and certain dietary practices. The study concluded that the prevalence of obesity and overweight is relatively high in students in Tikrit province, and that there is a significant association between overweight and obesity from one side and high blood pressure, high blood sugar on the other hand. Modern dietary habits are an important influence in the development of childhood obesity that should be watched carefully and controlled. Community awareness of children nutrition depending on the mass media in the form of: newspapers, television, satellite. More researches on this field should be done all over our country in order to Make a comparison as well as assessment of the magnitude of the nutritional problems & find the suitable solution for it.

Keywords: Obesity; Children; Determinants; Prevention; Genetics; Physical activity; Dietary pattern.