Title of article :
The Association between Green Space and the Prevalence of Overweight/ Obesity among Primary School Children
Author/Authors :
Manandhar, Shraddha ASEAN Institute for Health Development - Mahidol University, Thailand , Tachapattaworakul Suksaroj, Thunwadee ASEAN Institute for Health Development - Mahidol University, Thailand , Rattanapan, Cheerawit ASEAN Institute for Health Development - Mahidol University, Thailand
Abstract :
Background: Childhood overweight and obesity is a major health problem in many low- and
middle-income countries such as Nepal. There is evidence indicating a significant association
between health and access to green space.
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity, and to identify
its association with green space among primary school children in Kathmandu metropolitan
city, Nepal.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 440 (195 male and 245 female) students
studying in selected primary schools of Kathmandu metropolitan city. Mothers/caretakers
of the participating children were also studied.
Results: Of the 440 children, 13.2% were overweight; 6.8% were obese. 4 of 16 studied
variables that had significant associations with overweight/obesity in bivariate analyses, were
found independent predictors of overweight/obesity after being adjusted for confounders.
They included mode of transportation to school (aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.88), consumption
of sugary snack (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.12 to 5.91) and salty/savory snack (aOR 4.13,
95% CI 1.71 to 9.96), and the distance of a green space from child's residence (aOR 27.46,
95% CI 6.10 to 123.54).
Conclusion: One-fifth of the children in urban schools were found to be overweight or
obese. The distance to a green space was identified as the most significant factor influencing
childhood overweight/obesity.
Keywords :
Overweight , Obesity , Green space , Child , Chronic disease , Nepal , Health
Journal title :
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (IJOEM)