RESUMO
The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of obesity and factors associated with it in Bahraini secondary school students. A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 825 students (417 boys and 408 girls) aged 15 to 21 years was obtained from secondary schools. Obesity was determined using body mass index (BMI = Wt/Ht2). The findings revealed that 15.6% of boys and 17.4% of girls were either overweight or obese (BMI > or = 25). Family size, parents education, and family history of obesity were significantly associated with obesity among boys, while family history was the only socio-economic factors statistically associated with obesity among girls. Meal patterns such as eating between meals, number of meals per day, and method of eating were not associated with obesity in students. Boys who ate alone were 3 times more likely to be obese than those who ate with family members (odd ratio = 3.4). Measures to prevent and control obesity among children are suggested.
Assuntos
Obesidade/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Barein/epidemiologia , Índice de Massa Corporal , Ciências da Nutrição Infantil/educação , Estudos Transversais , Inquéritos sobre Dietas , Escolaridade , Características da Família , Comportamento Alimentar , Feminino , Política de Saúde , Humanos , Masculino , Obesidade/diagnóstico , Obesidade/etiologia , Obesidade/prevenção & controle , Razão de Chances , Pais/educação , Prevalência , Distribuição Aleatória , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Sexuais , Fatores SocioeconômicosRESUMO
Weight and height of adolescents in Bahrain (15.5-19.5 years) was measured to evaluate their growth patterns. A cross-sectional survey was done on 825 students that represented 5% of total secondary students. The results showed that median height and weight of Bahraini adolescents were below the 50th percentiles of the Western standard. However, when compared with earlier surveys in Bahrain, the growth pattern has improved. This is because of improvement in health and in the environment.
