Lifestyle-Related Determinants of Obesity Among Omani Children

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) z-scores and lifestyle-related factors including nutrition, physical activity, screen time and time spent sleeping in 6–10-year-old Omani children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included mother-child dyads that were recruited from five provinces in Oman. Children’s BMI measurements and questionnaires on nutrition intake, physical activity, screen time and time spent sleeping and a single-day dietary recall were collected.ResultsA total of 197 dyads were included in this study. The children’s mean age was 7.7 ± 1.6 years and 53% were female. In this study, 17.4% of the children were classified as overweight or obese. No significant relationship was found between the children’s BMI z-scores and nutrition intake, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time or screen time (P ≥0.05). Increased time spent sleeping at night was positively associated with childhood obesity (P <0.05).ConclusionThe relationship between obesity and caloric intake, physical activity and screen time among children younger than 10 years seems to be moderated by certain factors that need to be investigated. Qualitative studies and questionnaires that are culturally sensitive are therefore needed.