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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Obesity in Nursery School Children in Corum, Turkey
Selen Ozakar Akca1, Gulzade Uysal2, Lale Aysegul Buyukgonenc3
1Department of Pediatric Nursing, Health School, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey.
Insights
This study found that 14.3% of 3- to 6-year-old children were obese, with rates increasing with age. Early school-based body mass index (BMI) screenings are crucial for identifying and preventing childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health Nutrition
- Childhood Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity poses significant risks to current and future health.
- Regular body mass index (BMI) screenings in schools are vital for early detection in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine overweight and obesity prevalence in 3- to 6-year-old children.
- To inform children and families about healthier dietary choices to combat obesity.
Main Methods:
- Analytical-descriptive study conducted in Corum, Turkey (2011).
- Sample included 3- to 6-year-old children from selected nursery schools.
- Statistical analysis using SPSS 15.0, Chi-square test, and ANOVA (p < 0.05 significance).
Main Results:
- 12.1% of children were overweight; 14.3% were obese.
- Obesity rates increased significantly with age (p < 0.05).
- Underweight prevalence: 9.5% females, 5.2% males; gender showed no significant BMI correlation.
Conclusions:
- Obesity prevention requires a multi-faceted approach beyond healthcare centers.
- Schools play a critical role in providing obesity prevention information and resources to families.
Background:
Regular body mass index (BMI) screenings in schools is important to ensure that 3- to 6-year-old children are not negatively affected by obesity in terms of their current and future health.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the overweight and obesity results of 3- to 6-year-old children and to guide children and their family in making healthier dietary choices by informing them.
Methods:
This analytical-descriptive study was conducted in Corum, Turkey, in the year 2011. The study's sample consisted of all available 3- to 6-year-old children entering nursery school (specifically, the Buharaevler, Karsıyaka, Nasrettin Hoca, Ulukavak, Mimar Sinan, and Sevgi nursery schools). Findings from the study were statistically analyzed using the SPSS 15.0 program. The Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) program were used in the comparison of study data. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results:
It was determined that 9.5% of the participating female children and 5.2% of the male children were underweight and that the boys were more obese than the girls in general. The correlation between the child's gender and their BMI was not found to be statistically significant (P-value > 0.05). The overweight frequency of the children was 12.1%, and the obesity frequency was 14.3%. Furthermore, it was determined that the obesity rates of the children increased with their age. Accordingly, the correlation between the child's age and BMI was found to be statistically significant (P-value < 0.05).
Conclusions:
An approach to preventing obesity must not be enacted only in health centers. Schools should also offer information and resources for families in order to prevent obesity in children.
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