A Study of Behavior Problems in Primary School Children, in A Rural Setting, in India

Background: Objective of the research was to study the nutritional status of children and related co-morbidities among primary school children in peri-urban rural setting of Thane district of Maharashtra.Methods: A cross sectional study with primary data collection from government primary school in peri-urban rural setting was conducted with total study duration of one year. Children between 6 and 12 years were included in study from primary school. Schools selected using lottery system and all children present on day on examination were included. Sample size estimation by formula n=4pq/l2 which was 336, but study enrolled 402 children. Anthropometric data (BMI) was analyzed using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS)-17, differential and inferential statistics calculated and represented using tables and charts. Chi square test was used for statistical significance and finding association with various factors.Results: The prevalence of overweight (≥85th percentile) among children was 20.83% (male), 20.95% (female) and prevalence of obesity (>95th percentile) was 14.06 % (male), 17.62% (female). Prevalence of underweight was 4.17 % (male), 4.29% (female). Female children were at greater risk of being overweight and obese.Conclusions: Childhood obesity is a problem in peri-urban rural Thane and requires timely intervention for its control.

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Socio-demographic Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Mothers of Primary School Children Living in a Rural Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site, South Africa

The Open Public Health Journal ◽

10.2174/1874944502013010518 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 518-528

Author(s):

Perpetua Modjadji

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Demographic Surveillance System ◽

Rural Setting ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Measure Data ◽

Monthly Income

Background: South Africa continues to have significant high prevalence rate of overweight/obesity relative to its African counterparts, particularly, among women, owing to several factors such as nutrition transition and socio-demographic factors. Nonetheless, little is known about the socio-demographic determinants of overweight/obesity, especially in the rural settings. Objective: To investigate the socio-demographic determinants of overweight and obesity among mothers of primary school children living in a rural Dikgale Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site in South Africa Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 mothers of primary school children from a rural setting. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing the body weight by height squared and the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥ 25–29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were determined. The socio-demographic variables were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain any relationships with overweight/obesity as an outcome measure. Data were analyzed using STATA 14. Results: The response rate was 98%. The mean age of mothers was 37±7years. Mothers were charecterized by singlehood (63%), unemployed (82%) and low literacy (41%). The odds of being overweight/obese were significantly higher among mothers living with spouses as household heads (AOR=3.5 95%CI: 1.97-6.31), had two to three pregnancies (AOR=2.4, 95%CI: 1.40-4.20), and five pregnancies and above (AOR=2.5, 95%CI: 1.0-6.37). Mothers who lived in households with a monthly income between $344.84 and $524,60 were less likely to be overweight or obese (AOR=0.31 95%CI: 0.14-0.70). Additionally, age, marital status and age at first pregnancy were significantly associated with being overweight/obese (χ2 test, p<0.05). Conclusion: The key determinants of overweight/obesity were living in spouse-headed household, household monthly income and more than one pregnancy. Evidence-based strategies that focus on strengthening the social aspects while addressing overweight and obesity among mothers of primary school children living in a rural Dikgale HDSS site, South Africa.

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