Sex differences in the prevalence of multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors in schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study

Al-Farhan, Abdulaziz Kh; Weatherspoon, Lorraine; Pfeiffer, Karin A.; Li, Wei; Carlson, Joseph J.

doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.10.013

Cited by 1 publication

(5 citation statements)

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“…The dietary data collection procedure was part of a comprehensive study that assessed cardiovascular disease risk factors in Kuwaiti fifth graders between February and March 2018. The study participants underwent anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical assessments at the school site, as detailed elsewhere [ 6 ]. Standing height and body weight were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated and then converted to BMI Z-scores using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) (2007) LMS cutoff point percentile reference [ 23 ], as well as ≥+1 SD for overweight and ≥+2 SD for obesity [ 24 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cardiocheck Pluse analyzed TC, HDL-C, and triglycerides. It is employed to calculate LDL-C ((LDL = TC − HDL + TG/5), the TC:HDL ratio, and non-HDL over a period of 90 s, and has been used in Kuwaiti [ 6 ] and US schoolchildren [ 25 ]. Resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were manually assessed using a stethoscope and a standard BP aneroid, with an appropriately sized inflatable cuff on the subject’s right arm.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the HEI scores of school-age boys and girls and the relationship between poor HEI scores and CVD risk factors in schoolchildren. We expected that there would be sex differences in poor HEI scores associated with CVD risk factors based on previous findings that Kuwaiti female schoolchildren were at a significantly higher risk of being overweight, prehypertensive, and dyslipidemic compared to boys [ 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Economic transitions occurred during Nutrients 2024, 16, 1243 2 of 16 the early 1980s, in Kuwait [5], causing a shift in the nutritional behaviors and health of children from being undernourished and having an obesity prevalence of <1% in 1980 to having an obesity prevalence of 31% in 2012. This was associated with high caloric intakes, insufficient physical activity, and increased risk of prehypertension and adverse blood lipids among schoolchildren, particularly girls [6,7]. A recent study investigating the dietary patterns of Kuwaiti adults showed that high intakes of fast food and refined grains were associated with adiposity and hypertension [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Includes any beans and peas (called legumes in HEI-2005) not counted as total protein foods (called meat and beans in HEI-2005) 5. Includes all milk products, such as fluid milk, yogurt, and cheese, and fortified soy beverages 6. Beans and peas are included here (and not with vegetables) when the total protein food (called meat and beans in HEI-2005) standard is otherwise not met 7.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Dietary Quality Evidenced by the Healthy Eating Index and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Kuwaiti Schoolchildren

Al-Farhan,

Weatherspoon,

Pfeiffer

et al. 2024

Nutrients

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Background: Poor dietary quality is associated with adiposity and other risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in children. In Kuwait, although children’s food choices are a concern, no studies have evaluated dietary quality relative to the risk of CVD in Kuwaiti schoolchildren. This study hypothesized that dietary quality using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is associated with CVD risk factors in children and that there are associated sex differences. Objective: Our main objective was to evaluate the dietary quality of schoolchildren and investigate whether poor HEI scores are associated with CVD risk and if there are sex differences. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of Kuwaiti fifth graders (n = 313; 53% girls; mean age = 10.4 ± 0.4 years) who completed an adapted Block Kids 2004 food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical data were also measured. HEI-2010 and HEI-2015 scores were calculated. Statistics: A general linear model and logistic regression were applied, controlling for moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and screen time (ST). Results: The total HEI-2010 and HEI-2015 scores were 58 and 52 points, respectively; a trend analysis indicated that more girls than boys had poor (≤50 points) HEI-2015 scores (p < 0.063). The maximum scores for total vegetables (p < 0.001), dairy (p < 0.034), and fatty acids (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in girls, while the maximum scores for whole grains (p < 0.046) and protein (p < 0.006), but not sodium (p < 0.009), were higher in boys. Obesity was inversely associated with poor total HEI 2010 and HEI 2015 scores (OR: 0.347, 95% CI: 0.234 - 0.516, p < 0.001 and OR: 0.561, 95% CI: 0.391–0.805, p < 0.002, respectively). However, the correlation was lost after adjustment for possible confounding factors. Conclusions: Dietary quality for children overall in this study was low, and there was only a weak association between poor scores and elevated blood pressure and none between scores and obesity. These findings have public health implications and warrant further investigation and attention.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%