Study Risk factors of increased Z-Score of Body Mass Index in preschool-age children

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to explore the risk factors of increased BMI /Age Z score > + 2 SD in the preschool children. Result: BMI/Age Z score > + 2 SD was found in 19.5% (146 /748) of the children. It was significantly more common among the children from areas with high socio-economic level (OR: 2.434; 95% CI 1.543, 3.841, and p < 0.000). Risk of being obese was significantly higher among the males (OR 0.630; 95% CI 0.431, 0.920, and p < 0.017) compared to females. The increased duration of breast feeding in infancy, was significantly associated with increased BMI/Age Z-score (b= 0.027, p< 0.004). Decreased age of the child was significantly associated with increased BMI/Age Z-score (b= - 0.013, p < 0.004). The children with stunted growth were 6.7 times fold likely to have BMI/Age Z Score > + 2 SD compared to the normal children (OR 6.733; 95% CI 3.799, 10.800, and p < 0.000), after allowing for other factors. No significant association was found between allergic disorders and BMI/Age Z score > + 2 SD.