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Prevalence and risk factors of excess weight in school children in West Greece

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  • Eleni Jelastopulu
  • Panagiotis Kallianezos
  • Georgios Merekoulias
  • Evangelos C. Alexopoulos
  • Despina Sapountzi‐Krepia

Abstract

The present study estimated the prevalence of childhood obesity and identified risk factors in 10–13 year old children. A cross‐sectional study was conducted, including 200 children and their parents, in seven randomly‐selected primary schools across Patras, Greece. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured, and self‐reported information was collected via face‐to‐face interviews. Body mass index was calculated for the children and their parents. The effect of risk factors on overweight and obesity was analyzed using regression analysis. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 32% and 10.5%, respectively. The odds of being overweight/obese increased in children whose parents had a lower educational level and/or higher body mass index. Fewer daily meals and more time spent in front of the television and/or on the computer were significantly associated with obesity in 10–13 year old children. The prevalence of excess weight in primary school children in Patras is of concern, especially for boys. Children's nutritional habits, leisure activities, and parental characteristics influence their somatometric characteristics. These findings highlight the need for future weight loss interventions targeted at this population.

Suggested Citation

  • Eleni Jelastopulu & Panagiotis Kallianezos & Georgios Merekoulias & Evangelos C. Alexopoulos & Despina Sapountzi‐Krepia, 2012. "Prevalence and risk factors of excess weight in school children in West Greece," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 14(3), pages 372-380, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:nuhsci:v:14:y:2012:i:3:p:372-380
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2012.00691.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Pernilla Garmy & Eva K. Clausson & Per Nyberg & Ulf Jakobsson, 2014. "Overweight and television and computer habits in Swedish school‐age children and adolescents: A cross‐sectional study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(2), pages 143-148, June.
    2. Chikako Nagahori & Jean Paul Tchuani & Taro Yamauchi, 2015. "Factors associated with nutritional status in children aged 5–24 months in the Republic of Cameroon," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(2), pages 229-235, June.
    3. Sunjoo Boo, 2014. "Misperception of body weight and associated factors," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(4), pages 468-475, December.

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