Prevalence and Associated Factors of Childhood Obesity Among Children 5-12 years in Primary Schools in Lubaga Division.

Abstract

Background: Obesity and overweight have both been described as anomalous accumulation of excessive body fat which may be harmful to health. There is no single cause to explain all cases of obesity and overweight but most studies implicate imbalance in the amounts of calories consumed and those expended. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of childhood obesity among children 5-12 years in primary schools in Lubaga division between June-September, 2016 Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was employed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of childhood obesity among children 5-12 years in primary schools in Lubaga division between June-September, 2016. A total of 156 pupils from two public and two private primary schools in Lubaga division were included in this study using probability, stratification and simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi-Info and SPSS version 20. Results/ Findings: From the assessment done prevalence of obesity among the school going children was at 15.4%. Gender (P=0.001), type of school (P=0.006), carrying packed food (P=0.000), socio-economic class (P=0.000), eating of fresh fruit and vegetables (P=0.005), means of transport to school (P=0.020) and physical activities (P=0.000) were independently associated with childhood obesity. 19.9% of the children were overweight. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for interventions related to changing dietary practices and maintenance of regular physical activity among children through parental initiative and social support in natural settings such as at home and in schools. However, after school care services and extra-curricular activities are the most important to prevent childhood obesity.