Author/Authors :
Hosseini, Mohsen PhD - Assistant Professor of Biostatistics - Department of Bio-statistics and Epidemiology - School of Health - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Amirkhani, Mohammad Amir MD, Physician - Director - Bureaus of Family - Youths and School Health- Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran , Mansourian, Marjan PhD - Student of Biostatistics - Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran , Ziaoddini, Hasan MD - Physician - Director - Bureau of Health - Ministry of Education and Training, Tehran , Ardalan, Gelayol MD - MPH - Pediatrician - Director - Department of Youths and School Health - Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran , Poursafa, Parinaz MSc in Environmental Protection Engineering - Science and Research University, Tehran , Kelishadi, Roya MD - Associate Professor of Pediatrics - Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Department - Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity is a predictor for many cardio-metabolic disorders in different
age groups. The use of available information on factors associated with abdominal obesity
has been proposed as an effective way of identifying at-risk individuals. This study aimed to assess
the effectiveness of a risk scoring system for abdominal obesity in a large and representative
population of youths.
METHODS: Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is an effective surrogate measure of abdominal obesity
in children. This analysis was performed to find out the normal cut off value for WHtR by
calculating the risk score.To develop a risk score to identify high-risk individuals for abdominal
obesity, we analyzed data from a national survey, entitled CASPIAN Study, that was conducted
on a nationally - representative sample of Iranian students aged 6-18 years. The risk equation
was determined by a multiple logistic regression analysis, and Receiver Operator Characteristics
(ROC) analysis was used to determine the cut-off value for the risk equation.
RESULTS: The independent risk factors associated with abdominal obesity were living in rural
area, attending public school, positive family history of diabetes and obesity in first and second
degree relatives, lower mother’s education level, number of household members; whereas physical
activity decreased this risk. The area under curve (AUC) for the ROC was 63% (95% CI:
0.612, 0.643).A CASPIAN study population value ≥ 39 had optimum sensitivity (64%) and specificity
(54%) for determining abdominal obesity score.
CONCLUSION: This method can be helpful in screening and prevention of abdominal obesity
by identifying those at-risk individuals in a timely manner.
Keywords :
Risk Score , abdominal obesity , prediction , children
