Prevalence and knowledge of risk factors of childhood obesity

Background The global prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is increasing. It is important to examine and monitor obesity critically among the young population who are vulnerable to be influenced by some risk factors in their environment. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence and knowledge of risk factors of childhood obesity among school-going children in Osogbo, south-western Nigeria. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among school children (n=480) selected using multistage sampling method. Research instruments used were self-administered semi-structured questionnaires. The taken anthropometric measurements followed standard methods. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 17.0 Results The 24-hour dietary recall showed that food was essentially of high carbohydrate content in 337(70.2%) of respondents, with regular consumption of sweets and soft drinks. Only 3.8% of the children were either overweight (2.1%) or obese (1.7%). About 76.1% had good knowledge score of risk factors for obesity. Predictors of good risk knowledge score were being older and being a female. However, predictors of being obese included being older, not regularly walking down to school and not regularly taking part in sporting activities Conclusion School children studied were at risk of being obese, stressing the need for a sustained promotion of both primary and primordial prevention strategies targeted at this vulnerable age group.