LIFESTYLE FACTORS AND RISK OF OBESITY AMONG THE SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KHULNA CITY

Abstract

As childhood obesity is increasing in urban areas, this study was designed to explain the association of lifestyle-related factors with obesity among primary school children in the Khulna City of Bangladesh. Data were collected from 257 purposively selected mothers of primary school children. A semi-structured interview schedule was used for data collection during February and March 2019. Findings indicated that a significant proportion of the teenagers were obese (44%). Results from regression analysis revealed that children having health problems, frequency of meals taken per day, and time spent in outdoor games have a significant association (p < 0.05) with childhood obesity. Moreover, children having health problems (AOR = 4.941; 95% CI: 2.273-10.745; p < 0.001), taking meals more than three times in a day (AOR = 24.534; 95% CI: 10.024-60.046; p < 0.001), and spending less time in outdoor games (AOR = 2.736; 95% CI: 1.242-6.028; p < 0.05)) were more likely to be obese. The study suggests that parents should motivate their children to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In addition, adequate playgrounds for children can help to prevent obesity and should be prioritized in the management of childhood obesity.