Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight in School-Going Children in Peshawar, Pakistan

Obesity and Overweight in Peshawar School Children

Authors

  • Sami Ullah Department of Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Designs, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Maria Nayyar Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology (COBAM), University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
  • Syed Kamal khan Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
  • Abdul Basit Department of Allied Health Sciences, Northwest School of Medicine, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
  • Saba Mazhar Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
  • Rashid Saeed Abdo Hassen Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology (COBAM), University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
  • Amal Inayat Department of Microbiology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
  • Esha Nawaz Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology (COBAM), University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
  • Kainat Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
  • Tehniyat Rida Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
  • Mahpara Safdar Department of Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Designs, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Umair Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1617

Keywords:

Childhood obesity, overweight, Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Hip Ratio, socioeconomic status, urban vs. rural, Peshawar school children, public health

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is a critical public health issue linked to increased risk of chronic diseases, impacting physical and psychological health. Its prevalence is rising globally, particularly in urbanized and socioeconomically diverse regions.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of obesity and overweight and explore associated demographic, socioeconomic, and physical activity factors among school-going children in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted involving 450 children (250 males, 200 females) aged 6-15 years from five schools using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and physical measurements, including Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 to determine associations between obesity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and physical activity levels. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained following the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines.
Results: The prevalence of obesity was 19.1%, overweight 49.1%, and healthy weight 31.8%. Obesity was higher in boys (19%) than in girls (15%). Urban children (65%) had a higher prevalence compared to rural children (40%). Socioeconomic status significantly influenced obesity rates (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study identified high obesity rates among school children, influenced by age, gender, urban residence, and socioeconomic status, necessitating targeted interventions.

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Published

2024-09-30

How to Cite

Sami Ullah, Maria Nayyar, Syed Kamal khan, Abdul Basit, Saba Mazhar, Rashid Saeed Abdo Hassen, Amal Inayat, Esha Nawaz, Kainat, Tehniyat Rida, Mahpara Safdar, & Muhammad Umair. (2024). Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight in School-Going Children in Peshawar, Pakistan: Obesity and Overweight in Peshawar School Children. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(3), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1617

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): Volume 4, Issue 3 - July to September 2024

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Sami Ullah, Maria Nayyar, Syed Kamal khan, Abdul Basit, Saba Mazhar, Rashid, Amal Inayat, Esha Nawaz, Kainat, Tehniyat Rida, Mahpara Safdar, Muhammad Umair

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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