Affluent School Children Research Articles

A cross sectional study on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in affluent school children of central Kerala

Background: Childhood obesity is increasing in India in recent years. The recent economic development and nutritional transition has been attributed to the increase in childhood obesity. Obesity in childhood predisposes to many cardiovascular/endocrinal problems in later years of life. This problem is taking an epidemic lever in Kerala too. Objective was to assess the prevalence of obesity among affluent school children in Thrissur.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 1104 private school children in Thrissur, Kerala, South India between November 2019 to October 2020. Prior permission to conduct the study was obtained from the respective authorities. Parent assent was obtained. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. Anthropometric measurements- height and weight were measured using the standard methods prescribed in the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to surveillance (WHO-STEPS) field manual.Bodymass index (BMI) was calculated and classified as per WHO guidelines for their respective ages.Results: 13.9% were overweight and 7.3% were obese. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.2%. Prevalence of obesity and overweight was 23.7% among boys and 18.2% among girls. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increases with age.Conclusions: Appropriate preventive measures like change in food habits and life style practices, increasing physical activities, health education for parents and children, needs to be taken.

PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN AFFLUENT SCHOOL CHILDREN IN MULTAN

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in affluent school children in Multan.
 Study design: Cross sectional study
 Place and Duration of study: Three private schools of Multan selected at random; willing to participate in the study. The study was carried out from 15 May 2015 to 15 November 2015.
 Results: In our study, 37.58% (n=62) children were between 5-7 years and 62.42% (n=103) were between 8-10 years of age, mean +SD was calculated as 7.79+1.47 years, 73.94% (n=122) were males and 26.06% (n=43) were females. Mean values of basic characteristics of the patients were calculated as 2.14+1.21 as birth order, 33.18+8.25(kg) for weight, 130.15+8.81(cm) and 1.30+0.08(m) for height and 19.40+3.26 (kg/m^2) for BMI. Prevalence of obesity in affluent school children in Multan was calculated as 43.03% (n=71).
 Conclusion: We concluded that the prevalence of obesity in affluent school children in Multan is very higher. Low physical activity and sedentary lifestyle are potential risk factors for obesity in children which may be modified and persistence of obesity may be avoided.

Prevalence and comparison of obesity, overweight, and thinness by different growth standards among affluent schoolchildren (8–18 years) in Rajkot

Background: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and thinness and compare it using different growth standards among schoolchildren and adolescents. Material and Methods: Anthropometric measurements of all students of four schools from 3rd to 12th standards were taken. Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and thinness was measured and compared using four standards – Agarwal 2001 standards, revised Indian Association of Paediatrics (IAP) 2015, World Health Organization (WHO) 2007, and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) standards. Results: A total of 1496 children including 79.1% boys and 20.9% girls participated. Prevalence of obesity was reported 9.1% by Agarwal standards, 14% by IAP standards, 11.1% by WHO standards, and 5.1% by IOTF standards. Overweight children prevalence was reported more (19.1%) with IAP standards, followed by 17% with Agarwal standards, 15.8% with IOTF standards, and 15.3% by WHO standards. Prevalence of obesity and overweight was high among boys than girls in all three standards. A good level of agreement found among IAP 2015 standards with Agarwal and WHO 2007 standards considering four categories. The agreement was improved further up to 0.90 when compared to two combined categories – overweight/obese versus normal weight/thinness. Conclusion: High prevalence of obesity and overweight was reported with IAP 2015, Agarwal, and WHO 2007 standards in the age group of 8–18 years. Good agreement was found for revised IAP 2015 with Agarwal and WHO 2007 standards for measuring obesity and overweight. There was an underestimation of obesity with IOTF standards.

Association between overweight and academic achievement among affluent school children in Allahabad

Psychological and social health problems related to overweight may affect academic achievement of overweight children. The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between overweight and academic achievement in school children. A total of 330, school children studying between 6 th and 10 th standard aged between 11 to 16 years were studied from two affluent schools of Allahabad city- Maharshi Patanjali Vidya Mandir and Tagore Public School. Children with BMI between 85 th and 95 th percentile were considered as overweight. 165 identified overweight children as cases and 165 normal weight children as controls were selected. While selecting controls, it was kept in mind to maintain the similarity of age, gender and standard between case and control. Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) along with Math and English grades were recorded from the school register to evaluate the academic achievement of children. Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. Findings of the study reveal that there is no significant difference (p>0.05) between cases and controls with respect to grades achieved in CGPA, Math and English in both boys and girls. Overall, overweight was not found significantly associated to children's academic achievement. More research studies are required to further explore the relationship between excess body weight and academic achievement.

Prevalence and determinants of overweight/obesity among affluent school children

Prevalence and determinants of overweight/obesity among affluent school children

Prevalence of obesity in affluent school children of Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Childhood obesity is a state of over nutrition with long term complications such as hypertension, coronary artery disease and Type-2 diabetes. It also adversely affects psychological development causing poor body image and low self-esteem. Objective: The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of obesity in affluent school children of Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Methods: This study was carried out in affluent school children of four private schools in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Height and weight of each child weremeasured, and body mass index was determined according to Quetelet’s index. Results: Totally 816 school children of 6-11 years were examined with 528 boys and 288 girls. The overall prevalence of obesity was 7.4% without significant difference in boys (7.3%) and girls (7.6%). Prevalence of obesity was high at the age of 11 years both in boys (12.2%) and girls (11.5%). Conclusion: The present study revealed that obesity has a high prevalence reaching to epidemic proportions in the affluent school children of Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Overweight and Obesity among Children of Affluent Public School in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

In developing countries such as India, especially in urban population and affluent children, obesity is emerging as a major health problem. The magnitude of overweight ranges from 9% to 27.5% and obesity ranges from 1% to 12.9% among Indian children. To know the prevalence of overweight & obesity in affluent school children aged between 11–16 years and to analyze the association between overweight/obesity with physical activity. A cross sectional study was carried out in 2 affluent schools of Allahabad city –Maharshi Patanjali Vidya Mandir and Tagore Public School. A total of 1146, school children studying between 6th and 11th standard aged between 11 to 16 years were studied and data regarding time spent on television viewing, sleeping, playing computer/video games, indoor games, outdoor games and physical exercises was recorded in a pre designed and pre tested questionnaire. Out of 1146 school children 223 (19.5%) and 119 (10.4%) were overweight and obese respectively. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity in affluent school children of 11–16 years was estimated to be 29.9%. Proportion of overweight and obesity was more in boys (20.7% and 12.2%) than girls (17.8% and 8.0%).

A cross-sectional study of childhood and adolescent obesity in affluent school children from western suburb of Mumbai 2001-2002 and 2013-2014

Introduction: Change in lifestyle patterns associated with genetic factors is causing increasing prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity in India. Obesity during childhood and adolescence puts these children at a high risk for adult cardio-metabolic disorders and other chronic diseases. It is important that this avalanche is prevented in time by comprehensive school health education programmes and other timely interventions. An observational cross-sectional study, as a part of the School Health Education and Enlightened Living (SHEEL) project, was conducted to assess the prevalence in childhood overweight and obesity during the academic years 2000-2001 and 2013-2014 at a private school. Materials and Methods: As a part of the SHEEL project, a total of 2421 children consists of 1346 boys and 1075 girls (age ranged, 4 -15 years) were evaluated for their height (stadiometer), weight (electronic weighing scale) and body mass index (BMI) during the academic year 2000-2001 (stage 1 study). We approached the same school again in the academic year 2013-14 (stage 2 study). In this stage, a total of 2056 children (1067 boys and 989 girls; age range 5-15 years) were measured for the same parameters to evaluate in childhood and adolescent obesity when compared with that observed in 2000-2001.The measurements were plotted on gender specific BMI charts (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] charts) for obtaining percentiles. Identification of overweight and obesity was arrived at by CDC centile charts. Results: The stage 1 study done during the academic year 2000-2001 in school children from an affluent class of society showed a prevalence of overweight, in girls as 16.7% (180/1075) and in boys, 13.7% (185/1346). The prevalence of obesity for the total number of children was 15.3% (14.2% in 1075 girls and 16.1% in 1346 boys). In stage 2 study done during the academic year 2013-2014 in the same school, prevalence of overweight in girls was 16% (158/989) and in boys, 15.3% (163/1067) and the prevalence of obesity was 11.1% (9.1% in 989 girls and 12.9% in 1067 boys). If children at risk for obesity (overweight) and obese were clubbed together, nearly 1/3 of the children, 30.4% in 2001 and 26.7% in 2013, had above-normal BMI percentiles. In this study, the percentage of children showing overweight/obesity increased from the age groups 7 to 8 years and above as compared to the younger age groups. Conclusions: The current cross-sectional study shows that the prevalence of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity amongst children from a upper-socio-economic stratum of society has remained high at 25-30% during both the periods of the school-based study. However, the trend for the prevalence of overweight and obesity in this >10 years has shown a definite decline of 5.8% in girls, while the decline of 1.6% in boys was not as remarkable.

Prevalence of obesity and its influencing factors among affluent school children of Bangalore City

Objective: The problem of overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) is not confined only to developed countries but is also widely prevalent in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of OW and OB among affluent school going adolescents in Bangalore, India, and identify its associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and institutional study, adopting a multistage stratified cluster sampling procedure, was carried out on 1750 adolescents 12-15 years of age of both sexes from Bengaluru, India. Results: The prevalence of OW was 17.4% among boys and 17.0% among girls. Prevalence of OB was 7.4% in boys and 7% in girls. There was a higher prevalence of OW and OB in boys compared with girls, but difference was not significant. Junk food and chocolate eating habits had more prevalence of OB and OW than underweight indicating that the caloric intake is associated with an increase in body mass index (BMI). On assessing the relationship between caries and nutritional status, OW children had mean decayed missing filled surfaces (DMFS) of 1.57 ± 3.104 while obese children had a mean DMFS of 0.91 ± 1.702. The relation between BMI and DMFS was statistically significant. Conclusion: The increasing trend of the modern day epidemic of OW/OB in children calls for immediate action in both rural and urban areas to reduce the incidence through appropriate nutritional intervention programs involving school children, their parents, and school authorities.

To Assess the Prevalence of Obesity Among Affluent School Children in Patiala, Punjab and Identify its Associated Risk Factors

To Assess the Prevalence of Obesity Among Affluent School Children in Patiala, Punjab and Identify its Associated Risk Factors

Dietary pattern, height, weight centile and BMI of affluent school children and adolescents from three major cities of Pakistan.

To compare the dietary pattern, height, weight centile and BMI of affluent school children and adolescents from three major cities of Pakistan. Cross-sectional study. Private Schools of Karachi, Quetta and Lahore, from September 2007 to March 2008. The affluent socioeconomic group was identified by the monthly income of the parents (average>Rs.15,000 per month, $246); school fees of child (average>Rs.1,500 per month, $25) and household items such as computer, refrigerator, washing machine, television, car etc. A total of 652 healthy immunized children with no history of chronic infection, inducted through multistage stratified sampling were divided into groups A, B, and C by ages of 6-9, 10-13, and 14-17 years respectively. Height, weight and 24 hours diet recall was obtained. Centre for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), clinical charts with 5th and 95 percentile for standard height and weight were used. Food records subjected to USDA food exchange list were used. Forms were used as inputs to generate tables for Statistical Package for social sciences -SPSS, Window 13.0. In girls calories and food intake in group A and B of Quetta was lower (p<.005) vs. other cities. No significant difference was seen in group C. Fat intake was the same in the girls of all 3 groups. In boys caloric carbohydrates and protein intake of group A of Quetta vs. groups B and C was significant by different National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) height and weight in groups A and B were at the 50-90 centile and at 25-50 in group C, centile. BMI (kg/m2) in girls and boys of group A were not different. BMI was highest in group B girls (mean 22+/-5) and group C boys (25+/-4) of Quetta. Children of affluent schools of Karachi compared to Quetta are taking more junk food but their consumption of protein is lowered and of a poor quality. Overall fat is below normal recommended standards. However, minimum fat intake was seen in school children of Quetta when compared with Karachi and Lahore. Carbohydrate consumption was adequate. BMI was highest in boys of Quetta than Lahore and Karachi. Majority of children on NCHS centile charts plotted between the 50th-90th centiles.

Prevalence of obesity and its influencing factor among affluent school children of Davangere city

<b>Background: </b> Childhood obesity is a fast emerging problem for which national representative data is scarce. Effective preventive of adult obesity will require prevention and management of childhood obesity.<br><b> Objectives: </b> To know the prevalence of obesity in two affluent school children of Davangere city studying between 5th and 10th standard and to identify the factors influencing childhood obesity.<br><b> Methods: </b> A cross sectional study followed by a case control study was conducted in two affluent schools of Davangere city - Sri. Siddaganga and Sri. Taralabalu residential school. A total of 1496, school children studying between 5th & 10th standard aged between 10 and 15 years were enrolled and data on family history of obesity, diet, snacking habits and physical activity was collected.<br><b> Results: </b> Out of 1496 children 86 were obese. Prevalence of obesity was 5.74 %. Prevalence of obesity was more in girls (8.82%) than boys ( 4.42%). Prevalence of obesity increased, with increase in age in both boys and Girls. Family history of obesity, snacking of high energy foods and lack of physical activity were the important influencing factors of obesity. <br><b> Conclusion : </b> Consumption of high fat and high energy (Junk foods) and snacking in between the meals should be avoided by children. Health education should be given to parents, teachers and children regarding dietary habit and sedentary life style.

Overweight and obesity in affluent school children of Punjab

In the present cross-sectional study, an attempt has been made to report the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school-going children of the affluent families of Punjab. A total of 1000 children (490 boys and 510 girls) were measured for height and weight. Overweight and obesity were assessed using age and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) cut-off points. In the present study, 12.24% boys and 14.31% girls were overweight, and 5.92% boys and 6.27% girls were obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the affluent school children of Punjab was as high or higher as in some developed countries.

Growth Pattern of Affluent School Children of Amritsar

The present study is an attempt to investigate the growth pattern of affluent school children of Amritsar (Punjab). Cross-sectional data based on six anthropometric measurements (weight height upper arm circumference triceps skin fold subscapular skinfold supera iliac skinfold) was collected from 500 girls and 582 boys aged 6 to 15 years attending convent and public schools. It has been observed from the present study that there is increase in all dimensions of the body with advancement of age except skinfolds only among boys. The study reveals that the highest peak velocity among girls (11+ and 12+ age) is attained earlier by one year than among boys (12+ and 13+ age). Amritsar girls and boys are equal or heavier than Well to do Indian children and NCHS standards. Therefore the findings of this study can be used as reference material for Punjabi children. (authors)

Growth performance of Bangladeshi affluent school children (5–14 years)

A cross sectional anthropometric survey of 2045 healthy children (5-14 years) of affluent society of Dhaka City was done with the aim to compare their growth with the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) standard. It was found that both weight and height of boys and girls of the studied children fall between 25th to 50th percentile of NCHS standard. In case of boys, body weight deviates below 25th percentile after 12 years whereas mean height is nearly parallel to 50th percentile up to 14 years. In case of girls, the pattern of growth is same except the fall below 25th percentile at the age of 8 and 9 years and the height remains above 25th percentile up to 12 years. It can be concluded that mean growth of affluent Bangladeshi school children is comparable to NCHS standard with minor variations.