The Assessment of Dietary Habits and Obesity Prevalence in Secondary School Children from Different Socioeconomic Levels

Abstract

Aim: The study was performed to determine dietary habits and obesity prevalence of students in secondary school children from different socio-economic levels. Subjects and Method: The study was conducted with 349 students aged between 11-14 years in two different socio-economic level secondary schools in the center of Erzincan. Demographic characteristics, dietary habits were recorded using a questionnaire which applied by children. Height and body weight measurements of the students were taken and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. WHO 2007, BMI Z score growth references for 5-19 years was used. Results: Out of total,16.3% of the students were overweight, the prevalence of obesity was 9.7%. Prevalence of overweight and obese students (20.1%-11.2%)in higher socioeconomic level were significantly higher than overweight and obese students (10.4%-7.4%) in the low socioeconomic level (p<0.05). Discussion: There is a positive correlation between obesity and high socioeconomic level in developing countries. Increases in income parallel with the increase in convenient and fast-food, food consumption levels are associated with obesity. In this study, overweight and obesity prevalence was higher in students in higher socioeconomic levels. Monitoring of the weight and height of the students, providing nutrition education to parents and students would prevent obesity, a major public health problem.