PREVALENCE OF HIGH BODY MASS INDEX AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE GAZA STRIP: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
*Basil J. Kanoaa, Amin T. Hamedb, Baker M. Zabutc
Clinical Nutrition, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University-Gaza. Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University-Gaza. Biochemistry and Nutrition, College of Science, Islamic University-Gaza.
Aim: To identify the prevalence and determinants of high body mass index, overweight and obesity, among preschool children (age 5-6 years) in Gaza Strip. Subjects and Methods: The study design was cross sectional. The study sample consisted of 571 cases (age 5-6 years). Data were collected through face to face interviews and through measuring the weight and the height of the children and their mothers. The questionnaire addressed issues about anthropometric measures of the children and their mothers, socioeconomic and demographic variables, food frequency, food habits, and mothers' perception and satisfaction of children weight. Results: According to the categorization of body mass index by age, the prevalence of high body mass index among preschool children was 10.3%. None of the studied sociodemographic characteristics and food habits were significantly associated with high body mass index. In contrast, a statistically significant association was observed between mothers' satisfaction or perception about their children weight and body mass index of the children (p<0.001). According to logistic regression method, there were three independent determinant factors that significantly affect high body mass index among the children. The predictive risk factors were the mothers' perception of children weight, and drinking fruit juices daily. In contrast, eating legumes 2-3 times weekly was found to be a preventive factor of high body mass index of the children. Conclusion: The prevalence of high body mass index among preschool children (age 5-6 years) was 10.3% in Gaza Strip requires integrated relevant interventions. Maternal nutritional culture and food habits can determine body mass of the preschool children in the future.
December 2011