Socio-behavioral factors associated with overweight and obesity among school children in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is a widespread and significant public health challenge globally, recognized as a complex, multifactorial condition. Behavioral, socio-environmental, and psychological factors contribute to the onset and progression of obesity in children. Children who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of becoming obese adults and face a heightened likelihood of developing chronic diseases due to the persistent inflammatory state associated with obesity. Objectives: to assess the prevalence of obesity and identify the socio-behavioral factors related to being overweight and obese among school children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, involving 134 schoolchildren aged 6 to 14 years. The study measured the children's weight and height to calculate their body mass index (BMI). A questionnaire was administered to assess both social and behavioral factors. Social factors were evaluated using a validated questionnaire designed to scale socioeconomic status. Behavioral factors were assessed using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), a validated tool. The questionnaire was completed by the mothers, who were trained before data collection. Results: Among the studied children, 24.6% were classified as overweight, and 28.4% as obese. A statistically significant association was observed between the weight status of the participants and certain eating behaviors, including Food Responsiveness, Emotional Overeating, Enjoyment of Food, and Emotional Undereating. However, no significant relationship was found between the children’s weight status and either their socioeconomic level or their mothers' employment status. Conclusion and Recommendations: Childhood obesity and overweight are strongly affected by eating behaviors. So, the management of obesity should include correction of the children's eating behaviors.Keywords: Behaviors, Childhood, Prevalence, weight