Body mass index, socioeconomical status, and physical activity among school-going children: A correlational study

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Childhood obesity is currently one of the major concerns in the pediatric field. Socioeconomic status (SES) and physical activity (PA) are key factors in achieving efficient weight status and help them to prevent obesity in the future. Hence, the present study was undertaken to find out the relationship of body mass index (BMI), SES, and PA among school children. METHODOLOGY: A correlational study was carried out on randomly selected 120 children studying in the 6th, 7th, and 8th standards from two different schools in Surat city. The underweight, healthy weight, and overweight–obesity status were based on BMI percentiles for age and sex. SES was assessed using the Kuppuswamy scale based on parameters such as the head of the family’s educational status, occupational status, and overall aggregate income of the whole family. PA during the previous 7 days was assessed using the Gujarati version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C [G]). Spearman’s correlation test was applied to find out the correlation of BMI, SES and PA among all the students. RESULTS: Overall, boys have higher PAQ-C scores as compared to girls. Inadequate PA was noted among all children. Results of the present study showed that there was a statistically significant weak positive correlation of SES with BMI (r = 0.34, P < 0.05), a statistically significant moderate positive correlation of SES with PA (r = 0.65, P < 0.05) but a statistically significant moderate negative correlation was found for BMI and PA (r = −0.46, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study concludes a significant relationship between BMI, SES and PA among school children.