Author/Authors :
Kelishadi, Roya Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Noncommunicable Disease - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , Motlagh, Mohammad Esmaeil Department of Pediatrics - Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran , Bahreynian, Maryam Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Noncommunicable Disease - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , Gharavi, Mohammad Javad Department of Medical Parasitology - Deputy of Researches and Technologies - Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran , Kabir, Kourosh Department of Community Medicine - School of Medicine - Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran , Ardalan, Gelayol Department of School Health - Bureau of Population, Family and School Health - Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran , Safari, Omid Department of Pediatrics - Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran , Qorbani, Mostafa Department of Community Medicine - School of Medicine - Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
Abstract :
Background: This paper presents the methodology and primary findings of a national project on determinants of weight disorders among Iranian children and adolescents at national and sub‑national levels.
Methods: This nationwide study was conducted in 2011–2012 in Iran as part of the fourth phase of a national surveillance program entitled Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and PreventIon of Adult Noncommunicable disease‑IV study. It had two phases of qualitative and quantitative study. This multicentric study was conducted among 25,000 students aged 6–18 years, living in urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran. Students were selected by multistage cluster sampling method. Data regarding weight disorders including sociodemographic variables, perinatal factors, lifestyle factors, family and student dietary habits, quality of life, and family history of chronic diseases as well as body image were gathered via validated questionnaires.
Results: Overall, 23043 students completed the survey (participation rate: 92.17%). The mean age of participants was 12.55 ± 3.31 years; 50.8% were boys, and 73.4% were from urban areas. Underweight was found in 10.4% of boys and 9.2% of girls, the corresponding figure for overweight and obesity was 21% and 18.3%. Abdominal obesity was found in 17.6% of students. Among parents, obesity was more frequent than other weight disorders, with higher prevalence in parents of girls than boys (24.5% vs. 21.5%, respectively, P < 0.001). Overweight and obesity were more prevalent in urban than in rural parents (66.7% vs. 59.7%, respectively, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: This survey serves as confirmatory evidence on the prevalence of dual burden of weight disorders in Iran. Its findings on determinants of weight disorders would help policymakers to implement relevant programs at national and sub‑national levels.
Keywords :
Adolescents , children , determinants , Iran , overweight , underweight
