PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN SCHOOL CHILDREN OF HAZARA DIVISION

Authors

  • Israr ul Haq
  • Tahir Saeed Siddiqu
  • Muhammad Ali Jan

Abstract

Background: Limited data is available in Pakistan regarding prevalence of obesity in school
going children. The objective of this study was to find out obesity prevalence in school going
children in Hazara division. Methods: It was descriptive study. Data of 3200 students was
collected over six month period, from Hazara Division. Four schools were selected in each district
two for boys and two for females. District Kohistan was excluded from study as female education
is not permitted beyond primary education. Children 5-14 year age group were included in the
study. Initial 20 students of each class were selected for study. Anthropometric data (weight,
height) for each student was collected and entered on Performa structured for this purpose. BMI
was calculated and values were compared with standard BMI charts of National Health Centre for
health statistics. Results: Prevalence of obesity was 4.78%. Out of 3,200 children enrolled 153
(4.78%) were obese. Male to female ratio was 1:1.2. The prevalence of obesity was high in private
school students than government schools (66.66% and 33%). The prevalence was high in both
sexes in 12-14 years and 6-7 years age groups (49% and 20.26%). Conclusion: Prevalence of
obesity in present study is similar to the results from developing countries in the region but
prevalence is lower than developed countries. Problem of obesity also exists in developing
countries and there is need to create awareness about obesity and related complications.
Keywords: Obesity, BMI, Nutrition, Hazara, Children

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Published

2010-12-01

How to Cite

Haq, I. ul, Siddiqu, T. S., & Jan, M. A. (2010). PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN SCHOOL CHILDREN OF HAZARA DIVISION. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 22(4), 50–52. Retrieved from https://jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/2695

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 4 (2010): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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