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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Factors associated with overweight and obesity in preschool children
Amira Kurspahić-Mujčić1, Amra Mujčić2
1Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Insights
Male gender, maternal overweight, and reduced physical activity are key factors linked to childhood obesity. Limiting screen time and unhealthy snacking are crucial for preschooler health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Childhood overweight and obesity are significant global health concerns.
- Identifying risk factors in preschool children is vital for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sociodemographic, physical activity, and sedentary behavior factors associated with overweight/obesity in preschool children.
- To provide data for targeted public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 300 preschool children in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Data collected via questionnaires on child/maternal characteristics, physical activity, and screen time.
- Logistic regression analysis to determine risk factors for overweight/obesity.
Main Results:
- Male gender (OR 1.6) and maternal overweight (OR 3.34) were significantly associated with child overweight/obesity.
- Low physical activity (<60 min/day) and high screen time (>180 min/day) were risk factors.
- Unhealthy snacking habits, particularly during screen time, were strongly linked to obesity.
Conclusions:
- Maternal weight status and child's gender are important predictors of childhood obesity.
- Public health initiatives should focus on educating mothers about obesity risks and promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Interventions should address physical activity levels, screen time, and dietary habits in early childhood.
Abstract:
Aim To determine factors associated with overweight/obesity in preschool children. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in paediatric outpatient departments of the Public Institution Primary Health Care Centre of Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 300 preschool children who were divided into two groups: normal weight (n=150) and overweight/obese (n=150). Children were weighed and measured and body mass index was calculated. Data concerning potential childhood overweight/obesity risk factors (sociodemographic characteristics of child and mother, physical activity and sedentary behaviour of the child) were collected using a designed questionnaire filled in by the mothers. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between potential risk factors and overweight/obesity in preschool children. Results Male gender of the children (p=0.043) and maternal overweight (p=0.000) were positively associated with child overweight/obesity. Male children were 1.6 times more likely to be overweight/obese than female (95% CI: 1.01-2.53). Children of overweight mothers were 3.34 times more likely to be overweight/ obese than children with mothers of normal weight (95% CI: 1.77- 6.28). Physical activity <60 minutes/day ) (p=0.014), screen time >180 minutes/day (p=0.020), regular snacking while watching television, using computer/tablet/ mobile phones (p=0.000) were associated with overweight/obesity status of the preschool children. Conclusion Public health programs that aim to reduce overweight/ obesity in preschool children should mainly help mothers understand the serious risk of childhood obesity and the importance of them creating a healthy lifestyle in childhood.
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