Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Primary School Children's in Rural Areas of Pakistan

• DOI: 10.61919/jhrr.v4i2.1081
• Publication Date: 2024-06-26T08:30:28Z
• Authors: Afrooz Bibi; Amir Sultan; Usama Siddique; Naveed Ullah; Naveed Ullah; Nazia Shuaib; Momena Malik; Sheraz Khan
• Keywords: Primary (astronomy)

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing global epidemic affecting both children and adults. According to the World Health Organization, 43 million under five are overweight worldwide, concern that extends into adulthood with almost 1.5 billion affected individuals. Objective: The aim of this study was assess prevalence overweight, obesity, underweight among primary school in district Swat, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive conducted from August 2023 February 2024, encompassing 707 students selected through multi-cluster sampling. Measurements adhering CDC guidelines were recorded. Data analysis performed using SPSS 22, employing inferential statistics, including chi-square tests for associations independent t-tests ANOVA group differences. Results: cohort comprised predominantly male (88%, 622 students), most common age being 11 years (31.8%, 225 students). Overall, 71.9% (508 students) categorized as healthy, 15.3% (108 8.8% (62 underweight, 4.1% (29 obese. Significant differences observed across gender (p=0.003), (p<0.001), class but not type. Conclusion: highlights significant rural Pakistan, emphasizing urgent need tailored prevention strategies interventions these areas.