Evaluation of the Obesity Contributing Factors in First Grade Elementary School Students from Sari, North of Iran

Abstract

Background: Obesity in children has raised worries about public health and hygiene. In this study, we intended to evaluate the obesity rate among the children from first grade elementary schools throughout Sari, in the north of Iran. Moreover, we evaluated the possible effects of mother's life conditions on the estimation of obesity in children. Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study, the study population included first grade elementary school students in Sari, north of Iran. Sampling was carried out through multi-stage and stratified randomization at level of the target students. Using stadiometer and digital scales, the height and weight were measured. Body Mass Index (BMI) was also calculated. A questionnaire about eating habits and socioeconomic status of parents was employed. Data collection was conducted using phone interview with parents as well as the questionnaire's records. Analysis of data was conducted in SPSS v.22 using suitable statistical tests. IBM SPSS Amos software was utilized for path analysis. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: It was observed that 15% of the evaluated cases were obese. There was an association between BMI of the obese cases and lifestyle-related habits. Path analysis revealed significant impression of patient's habitus on the obesity of children. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the overall prevalence of obesity in Sari was high, which proposes the necessity for serious consideration in the health system, and designing, developing, and implementing preventive approaches with regard to childhood obesity.

Effect of Social Media on Child Obesity: Application of Structural Equation Modeling with the Taguchi Method

“…A study by Soltani et al [ 31 ] demonstrated that more than 18% of children in elementary school (6–11 years old) exhibit the highest prevalence and risk of obesity and overweight. The challenges of obesity and overweight during childhood and the teenage years have negative and dangerous ramifications for premature mortality and morbidity as well as physical disability later in adulthood [ 32 ]. The association between obesity/overweight and eating habits while watching television was studied by Ghobadi et al [ 33 ] in Iran.…”