Prevalence of childhood obesity and related parental factors across socioeconomic strata in Ankara, Turkey

Abstract

Background: Among low-and middle-income nations, the highest prevalence of child overweight and associated metabolic disorders has been found in Middle Eastern and Eastern European countries. Obesity has been on the rise in Turkey and past research has shown regional variations among adults. However, the prevalence of childhood obesity in different socioeconomic groups in the largest metropolitan areas in the country has not been reported. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of child obesity with a population-representative, SES-stratified random sample with objective measures of body mass index (BMI) in the capital city of Turkey. Methods: Weight status was measured by the WHO growth curve and analyzed by socioeconomic status (SES), sex, and parental factors in a population-representative sample of 2066 parent-child dyads. Chi-square and logistic regression were conducted. Results: Rates of overweight and obesity were 21.2% and 14.6% (35.8% combined) but significantly higher in high (24.5% and 18.9%) vs. low SES (20.1% and 13.8%) (P = 0.02). Boys were at higher risk for obesity than girls, especially in high vs. low SES (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.0 [95% CI: 1.4-6.5] vs. 1.7 [95% CI: 1.2-2.5]). Having both parents being overweight or obese increased the risk for obesity, particularly in medium and high SES (OR = 5.8 [95% CI: 2.3-14.1]) and 6.3 (95% CI: 1.5-26.2). Conclusions: Higher maternal education was a risk factor in low-to-medium but not high SES. In Ankara, child overweight and obesity appears to be 1.5 times more prevalent than national estimates. Higher SES may signify greater exposure to an obesogenic environment and greater obesity risk.

Structural equation model of physical activity in Turkish schoolchildren: an application of the integrated behavioural model

“…This population has been understudied and is of interest due to increasing childhood obesity. 20 We hypothesised that PA self-efficacy, outcomes expectancies and norms would show different associations with PA, team sports participation and sedentary behaviour.…”

“… 1 In the capital, Ankara, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity is 35.8% among 10 year olds. 2 …”

“…1 In the capital, Ankara, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity is 35.8% among 10 year olds. 2 Rising childhood obesity is linked to increased energy intake and decreased physical activity (PA) which can increase adiposity. 3 Risk factors for overweight and obesity in Turkish children include medium or high socioeconomic status (SES), mother's education and parental overweight or obesity.…”

Nurse-Led School-Based Healthy Nutrition Themed Motor Play Activities

“…1,2 Türkiye'de ise çocukluk çağında fazla kilo ve obezite oranı %35.8 -39.3 arasındadır. 3,4 Çocukluk obezitesi, hipertansiyon, diyabetes mellitus, depresyon gibi pek çok fiziksel ve psikososyal hastalık için risk oluşturmaktadır.…”

Assessing the validity and reliability of family factors on physical activity: A case study in Turkey

“…[ 4 ] However, our most recent study among children in Ankara–the second largest city in Turkey–suggests that the prevalence of overweight (21.2%) and obesity (14.6%) may be much higher in large metropolitan regions within Turkey. [ 5 ]…”