The prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school children in Aden governorate, Yemen 2009

Abstract EN

Introduction : Overweight and obesity are serious public health challenges worldwide, with adverse health outcomes as well as cost to the society.

Objective : To evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children of Aden Governorate (Yemen).

Methods : This cross-sectional study was performed on 1885 students (981 males and 904 females) ageing 6-16 years, in Aden during 2009, selected by using multistage stratified random sampling technique from 4 district of the city.

Body weight and height were measured directly; percentiles were identified for body mass index (BMI), based on the new WHO growth reference standards, 2007.

Results: Overall, the prevalence rate of the wasted was 10.1%, normal 69.2%, overweight 12.7%, and obese 8.0%.

Although, there was not statistically significant relationship between overweight/obesity combined and gender, the prevalence was higher in females (21.5%) than in males (20%) , and the mean BMI values were significantly higher in females (18.5 ± 4.17 kg / m2) than in males (17.9 ± 3.98 kg / m2).

the prevalence of overweight / obesity increased with the increase age, being the highest at > 12 years for both sexes (22.7% for males and 29.4% for females).

It was also higher in private schools than in public ones (25.6% versus 18.9%).

Conclusion : The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Aden Governorate, children were within those reported (12%-25%) for the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Private school children, adolescents and females were at higher risk.