Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Pre-adolescence school children at Al- Nasiriya city, Iraq

Abstract

Objective: To examine the sociodemographic factors and determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among
students in their early adolescent years.
Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at four governmental intermediate schools located in Al-Nasiriya
city of Thi-Qar Governorate in Iraq from January 2 to February 15, 2021, and comprised students of either gender aged
12-14 years. Data was gathered using a self-designed questionnaire. Body mass index was calculated after measuring
the subjects’ weight in kilograms on a properly calibrated digital scale and their height in centimetres on an appropriate
tape meter scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.
Results: Of the 218 subjects, 124(56.88%) were girls and 94(43.12%) were boys. Overall, 100(45.87%) subjects were
aged 13 years. There were 71(32.56%) overweight and 30(13.76%) obese subjects. Age and gender were significantly
associated with body mass index (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Students in their early adolescent years were relatively more likely to be overweight and obese. Age and
gender had a correlation with body mass index.
Keywords: Overweight, Body mass, Paediatric, Obesity, Demography.