Prevalence and factors associated with childhood overweight/obesity of private school children in Nepal

SummaryIntroductionChildhood overweight/obesity is a global health problem because of adverse health and nutrition consequences worldwide. Currently, there is a paucity of information on childhood overweight/obesity in Nepal. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of, and the factors associated with, childhood overweight/obesity among primary school children.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in June-December, 2013. We collected data using the structured self-administered questionnaire with parents of children aged 6–13 years in grades 1–6 studying at private schools of the Lalitpur district of Nepal. Height and weight measurements of 986 children were taken, and the corresponding body mass index (BMI)-for-age was calculated. The prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity was reported in proportion. Factors associated with childhood overweight/obesity were examined using the Chi-square tests followed by multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsOf 986 children, 144 (14.6%) were overweight and 111 (11.3%) were obese. Overall, 255 (25.9%) children were found to be overweight/obese. Children from families, having ≤2 siblings (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.958, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.163–3.296), upper class family (aOR = 3.672; 95% CI: 1.154–11.690), and advantaged ethnic group (aOR = 1.561; 95% CI: 1.00–2.437) and children who were of larger birth weight (>4.0 kg) had a greater likelihood of being (aOR = 2.557, 95% CI: 1.222–5.349) overweight/obese.ConclusionsA quarter of children were found to be overweight/obese in private primary schools. Preventive interventions should focus on the advantaged ethnic groups, families with fewer siblings, and upper class families. A greater emphasis ought to be placed on formulation and implementation of policies aimed at addressing the newly emerging problems of childhood overweight/obesity in Nepal. New school health programs are to be launched and strengthened including avoidance of high energy junk food, and promoting outdoor activities.