Quality of life, motor ability, and weight status among schoolaged children of Tehran

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health Related quality of life [HRQOL], motor ability and weight status in children. Two hundred forty children ages 9-11 yr who were selected via multi stage cluster sampling design from primary schools in the Shahre Qods at Tehran, Iran in 2007. HRQOL was assessed by the pediatric quality of life inventory [PedsQL]. Motor abilities were determined by a Basic Motor Ability Test [BMAT]. Body mass index was calculated to determine weight status. Psychosocial, physical, and total health related qualities of life [all P< 0.05] were significantly lowered for obese when compared to normal weight participants. In contrast, the mean scores for each HRQOL domain in motor ability category were not significant. No significant interaction was apparent when examining HRQOL scores, BMAT variables and weight status. Regardless of motor ability levels, reducing body weight among children is a potential avenue for promoting improved HRQOL. Over weight boys reported significantly worse school performance than over weight girls, suggesting the importance in considering such dimensions in programs aimed at further understanding obesity in children

relationship between obesity and quality of life in school children

To determine relationships between healths related quality of life and body mass index in children aged 9-11 years old. This cross sectional study was conducted on 240 children 9-11 year olds who were selected via multi stage cluster sampling design from primary schools in the Shahre Qods of the Tehran, Iran in 2007. Pediatric Quality of Life inventory was completed by child self report with measured height and weight used to determine body mass index percentile/weight classification. Obesity was defined as body mass index [BMI] >/=95[th] percentile for age and gender and one way analyses of variance [ANOVA] was used for data analyses. Physical, social and school functioning was significantly lowered for obese when compared to normal weight children [P<.05]. The impairment in QOL in the community-based sample of elementary school children was less marked than clinical sample of obese. Obese children maintain emotional health. These results highlight the importance in considering dimensions of quality of life at further understanding obesity in children