Childhood obesity and its determinants among school children

Abstract

School-aged children are world-wide categorized as being overweight/obese. The factors contributing to increasing childhood obesity are increased intake of high-calorie foods, low intake of  vitamins, minerals, eating of more junk foods, drinking of high carbonated drinks, decreasing the physical activity  and increasing the indoor games are the risk   in developing childhood obesity . The aim of the study is assess the level of childhood obesity and its determinants among school children and to associate the level of childhood obesity with selected   demographic variables among school children. A total of 60 school children with childhood obesity were selected by Purposive sampling technique. Data were collected by interview method on one to one basis. Collected the socio demographic variables and assessed the level of childhood obesity  by Calculating Body mass index followed by determinants related to childhood obesity  was assessed by interview method using multiple choice question. Data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.   Out of 60 samples 22 (37%) had over weight, 30 (50%) of them had obese and 8 (13%) of them had severely obese. there is a significant association between the Age, Education, Residence, Hobbies at the level of p<0.05 with the level of childhood obesity. Chi square test reveals that there is a significant association between  Family history , Food habits, Excess carbonated drinks  consumption, Junk food intake, physical activity , and Habits of doing exercise at the level of p<0.05 with the level of childhood obesity.