Prevalence of Obesity among Primary School Children in Baghdad/AL-Rusafa 2022

Abstract

Abstract Background: Obesity is a complex, chronic condition that is characterized by multiple causes and adverse health consequences. The early detection of obesity in children can help us control it and thus improve growth and development. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of obesity among primary school children. To find out if there is any association between childhood obesity and certain variables (age, socioeconomic state [SES], type of school, and education of the father). Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Iraq/Baghdad/Al-Russafa sector from March 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023. The study was conducted in the First Educational Directorate of Alrussafa. A convenient sample of six primary schools in Baghdad/Alrussafa including three private schools and three public schools. From these schools, a convenient sample of 650 students was enrolled in the current study. Results: A total of 650 participants were enrolled; 249 (38.3%) had normal weight, 241 (37.1%) of the participants were obese, 113 (17.4%) of them had overweight, and 47 (7.2%) had underweight. In addition, a significant association was obtained between the body mass index and gender (P = 0.001), and a higher proportion of participants was among males. There was a significant association between body mass index (BMI) and the type of school. The higher proportion of obese participants was among those who were in private schools (P = 0.001). Conclusion: A significant association was obtained between the BMI and gender and type of school. There was no significant association between the BMI and age, family size, or SES. The students who were male and were teaching in private schools were more prone to be obese.