Prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among nursery school children in Embakasi sub-county
Abstract
Background: As standards of living in the world continue to rise, the prevalence of
overweight and obesity has also been increasing. Overweight and obesity pose a threat to
the health of individuals globally. Obesity is not only a chronic disease that is prevalent
in both developed and developing countries, but is also strongly associated risk factor for
many diseases and in children it is linked to under achievement in school. The main aim
of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with overweight
and obesity among nursery school children.
Methodology: This is a cross sectional study carried out in nursery school targeting
children aged between 3-6 years in Embakasi sub-county from August 2014 to January
2015. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. The Chi- square test was used to
assess the association between respondent characteristics and the prevalence of
overweight and obesity. Pearson correlation was done for independent predictors of
childhood overweight and obesity.
Results: Out of total 313 children recruited in this study, 72.8% had a normal BMI while
13.7% were overweight, 6.1% were obese and 7.4% were underweight. Cumulatively,
19.8% of the children were either overweight or obese. A higher composition of girls
were obese (10.3%) compared to 2.8% that of the boys. Generally, most of the parents
were not aware of the body status of their children. The study findings further reveal no
significant association between gender and obesity. On the other hand, most of the
children who were obese were from the private schools, 11 (57.9%) with those from
public schools being 8 (42.1%). A p-value of 0.015 was indication there was a significant
relationship between obesity and the type of school and obesity. From the association
analysis of obesity against the level of physical activity, a p-value of 0.032 (p<0.05) was
a confirmation of the existence of a significant relation between the two. This study
found no significant relation between a mother’s level of education and her child’s
obesity status. Also, there was a statistically significant association between a
household’s monthly income and obesity (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity in nursery school children was high (6.1%) and
stands as a cause of concern. The prevalence of obesity is common in females than males.
There was statistically significant difference between obesity and the type of school.
Therefore, there is need to focus on expanding efforts that can lead to the prevention of
the modifiable factors.
Publisher
University of Nairobi