Body mass index: pattern and impact of some variables affecting it among secondary school students in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt

ABSTRACT

To determine the Pattern of body mass index of secondary school students in Gharbia Governate and the impact of some variables on it, this study was conducted in Zifta city. It is one of the largest cities in the Governorate with population of 95.809 persons. A representative sample of its secondary schools was chosen randomly for the study with a total number of 1234 boys and 1158 girls ages 14- 20 years. Standard techniques were employed to measure height and weight. Special scoring systems were used to determine the socioeconomic level, the physical activity and nature of feeding habits of the students. The study revealed that half of male and female students have standard weight grade O.The underweight males were nearly three times that of females [39.7% and 13.8% respectively]. The pattern was the reverse as regards obesity grade I and II where obese females were more than four times that of males. Non of students fall in the category of very obese grade III. Both the socioeconomic level and the level of education of mothers slowed Statistically significant association with the body mass index category. As either of them increased the category increased. On the other hand, the physical inactivity could be [considered as a risk factor for obesity among adolescents. Moreover, the feeding habits had significant effect on body mass index of both male and female students. Only 9.4% of females with good feeding habits were underweight corresponding to 15.1% of those with M feeding habits. Also there was 24.2% obese females with good feeding habits compared to 3 3.7% with bad ones. Thus nutrition education program is highly recommended in all socioeconomic levels and all levels of education in the Egyptian society. Also, physical exercise should be encouraged by schools and parents especially for girls and implantation of good feeding habits in our children is a must to be healthy adolescents and adults