Nutritional status and related factors of schoolchildren in Çorum, Turkey

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to determine nutritional status and related factors among schoolchildren in Çorum, Central Anatolia, Turkey.DesignSchoolchildren’s height and weight were measured to calculate BMI and BMI Z-scores. Height, weight and BMI Z-scores were analysed and nutritional status classified according to the WHO.SettingCentral Anatolia, Turkey.ParticipantsSchoolchildren aged 5–17 years (n 1684) participated in study.ResultsOf children, 4·2% were stunted, 6·9% thin, 13·8% overweight and 6·6% were obese. Proportions of stunting, thinness and overweight/obesity were significantly higher in children aged >10 years (78·6, 75·0 and 64·9%, respectively) than in those aged ≤10 years (21·4, 25·0 and 35·1%, respectively; all P <0·001). Median (range) birth weight and breast-feeding duration in children with stunting (2750 (1400–3600)g; 10 (0–36) months) were significantly lower and shorter, respectively, than those of normal height (3200 (750–5500)g; 15 (0–72) months) and tall children (3500 (2500–4900)g; 18 (0–36) months; P <0·001, <0·001, 0·011 and 0·016, respectively). The same relationship was observed in thin children (3000 (1000–4500)g; 12 (0–36) months) compared with normal-weight (3200 (750–5500)g; 15 (0–72) months) and overweight/obese children (3300 (1200–5500)g; 16 (0–48) months; P=0·026, <0·001, 0·045 and 0·011, respectively).ConclusionsOverweight and obesity are health problems that must be addressed in schoolchildren. Adolescents also have a risk of double malnutrition. Promoting normal birth weight and encouraging long duration of breast-feeding are important to support normal growth in children.