Epidemiological Study on Bodyweight Problems' Prevalence and Associated Factors among Primary Schoolchildren in...

This study aimed to determine diet, physical activities, and the frequency and risk factors for body weight problems in children aged between 5 and 13 who attend public primary schools in Constantine, Algeria. A total of 811 children (403 girls and 408 boys) enrolled in three random primary schools in Constantine took anthropometric measurements to calculate body mass index (BMI = weight/size). A questionnaire was created to collect information about the children's lifestyles, which was completed online by their parents. Obesity and overweight were determined according to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). A statistical analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for overweight and obesity. The results showed that overweight affects 1.726% of children (57.15% boys and 42.85% girls). The results also showed a 0.616% prevalence of obesity (60% boys, 40% girls). In addition to that, the results of this study revealed that 72.133% of the children are underweight (51.96% boys, 48.04% girls), and 25.524% of them have normal weight (44.92% boys, 55.08% girls). In risk factor analysis, the results show that body weight problems are associated with different factors like sex, age group (8-10 years old), number and composition of meals, and lack of physical activity. Body weight problems are a severe condition that deserves significant healthcare expenses, and for that, urgent protective measures are required. The promotion of a healthy diet and regular physical activity is a top priority in body weight problem prevention, especially for children.