engleski

Weight Status of First Grade Students in Primary Schools in Požega-Slavonija County

Background and Aims: Overweight and obesity are increasing public health problems due to a steady increase of incidence in childhood and adolescence. The objective of this study was to determine nutritional status among first-grade primary school students in Požega-Slavonia County. Methods: Subjects in this study were 769 children examined before entering the first grade of primary school in school year 2015/16 in Požega- Slavonia County, aged 6 to 7.5 years. Anthropometry of body height and body weight was conducted, and body mass index was calculated. Data of the medical records were used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Final analysis included 743 (96.62%) of 769 respondents (412 boys). Normal weight was determined among 76.9% boys, and 81.9% girls. Prevalence of overweight among boys was 7.8% and 9.4% among girls, and prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among boys (9.9%) comparing to girls (3.9%). Underweight was determined among 5.3% boys, and 4.8% girls. Association between weight status and socioeconomic status or demographic characteristics was not determined. Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children of the first grade of primary school in Požega-Slavonia County was 8.5%, and 7.3%. Department of School and Adolescent Medicine routinely performed anthropometry, and continuously monitor the growth and development of children. The results of this study provide insight into the prevalence of overweight and obesity as a basis for implementation of preventive measures.

children, overweight, obesity, socioeconomic factors, demographic factors

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