Biobehavioral Characteristics and Risk Factors Related to Obesity in School Age Children Participating in a Health Camp

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify differences in physiological• psychological• environmental• behavioral characteristics between obese and control children participating in a health camp and to identify the factors related to childhood obesity. Methods: Two hundred eighty seven children aged 6 to 12 years were recruited from a health camp for elementary students in D city, Korea. Data collection was done on November 28 and 29, 2009. Anthropometric measurements, blood tests, and self-report surveys were conducted. Chi-square test, independent t-test, ANCOVA, and multiple logistic regression were performed using PASW statistics 18.0. Results: Obese children had adverse conditions for both physiological and psychological characteristics. In terms of environmental and behavioral characteristics, high maternal BMI and more than two hours of TV watching were significantly associated with high risk of childhood obesity (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.02-1.21; OR=2.05, 95% CI= 1.23-3.41). Conclusion: Through a multi-factorial approach, the current study identified the differences between obese and control children participating in a health camp and risk factors of childhood obesity. These findings provide preliminary data and perspectives on intervention research for prevention and management of childhood obesity.

Predictors of health‐promoting behaviors in children from low‐income families: An ecological approach

“…In addition, obese children are less likely to practice HPB than normal-weight children (Kim, Chu, Lee, Im, & Park, 2011), and girls tend to practice a higher level of HPB than boys (Kim, Yang, Jeong, & Lee, 2007).…”

Factors Influencing Health-Related Quality of Life of Overweight and Obese Children in South Korea

“…Results of this study indicated a significant association of HRQoL of overweight and obese children with self-esteem, depression, and physical stress. Previous studies conducted in Australia and Korea have demonstrated lower selfesteem, higher depression level, and higher obesity stress among overweight and obese children, compared with healthy control subjects (Incledon, Wake, & Hay, 2011;Keating, Moodie, & Swinburn, 2011;Kim, Chu, Lee, Im, & Park, 2011); all of these have an adverse effect on HRQoL of these children, who already had compromised HRQoL (Riazi et al, 2010). It is not surprising that a previous study reported that HRQoL of obese children was similar to that of pediatric patients with cancer (Schwimmer, Burwinkle, & Varni, 2003).…”

Economic Differences in Risk Factors for Obesity Among Overweight and Obese Children

“…An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the differences in the physiological characteristics of children among different income groups after controlling for gender and age. The results of physiological factors including BMI and body fat percentage can be affected by confounding variables such as children’s gender and age (Kim et al, 2011). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with overweight/obese children in low-socioeconomic groups.…”

“…Obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, impaired glucose tolerance, asthma, fatty liver disease, and joint problems. In addition, they may also suffer social and psychological problems, such as discrimination, poor self-esteem, and depression (Kim, Chu, Lee, Im, & Park, 2011; Reilly & Kelly, 2011). Prevalent obesity among children in low-socioeconomic groups has become a major public health issue, since poverty, obesity, and chronic health conditions are interrelated and exacerbate one another, all of which increase the future health care burden at the national level.…”

“…Applying ecological model, Kim et al (2012) found that intrapersonal (gender, computer use, and body image), interpersonal (education level of fathers and social influences), and school level factors (location of school, exercise facilities, hours of physical education, and school lunch program) were associated with childhood obesity in Korea. Moreover, in terms of environmental characteristics, high maternal body mass index (BMI) was significantly linked to increased risk of obesity in Korean elementary school children (Kim et al, 2011).…”