20 OBESITY AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM URBAN CONCEPCION (CHILE)

Abstract

We determine the prevalence of obesity among school children aged 6 to 14 years attending Municipal schools + private state subsidized schools (M+PSS) and private school (P) in urban Concepción. Conditioning obesity factors were analysed. 2302 school children were randomly selected by conglomerate. Obesity was diagnosed by the ratio Weight / height > 120% (NCHS reference data). Obesity among parents and relatives was assessed by means of a questionnaire. Data analysed by SAS sta package. Test X2 of independence and homogeinity. Overall prevalence in school children sampled: 21%. No differences between sexes. 12% Obesity at 14 years of age in males and 23.4% in females. (p<0.015). Males from P 25.6% and M+PSS 14.8% (p < 0.001). Among girls, only at 14 years of age there are differences between M+PSS (28,7%) versus P (15,7) (p<0.04). Obesity prevalence among parents of obese children: a single parent 22.2%, both parents 4.7%; control group 10.3% and 1.1% respectiely (p<0.001). 27% Obesity among brothers and sisters of obese children and 11.9% in controls (p < 0.001). No difference was found between obese and non obese children concerning divorced parent, a single child, parents schooling. School marks, physical activity, daily calorie intake were similar for both groups. The prevalence of obesity in our sample: 21%. Clustered by age and sex, girls are more obese at age 14. It was more prevalent among males attending P. Among girls there is only a difference at age 14, being more prevalent in M+PSS schools. Family background was the only conditioning factor. This study allows us to identify the groups at risk among school children and start preventive measures.