Determining the prevalance of obesity in primary school students and examination of eating habits

Obesity is a non-communicable disease caused by excessive fat deposition in the body. Nowadays, it is a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. It is the most common incidence of chronic disease in childhood. The most important problem in obesity is able to breach of adequate and balanced nutrition. The aims of the study are to determine the prevalance of obesity in primary school students in Güzelbahçe, eating habits and opinion of parents about ?Nutrition-Friendly School Project?METHOD This is a cross-sectional study. Target population of the study consist of 1177 boys and 1100 girls total 2277children having education in primary schools in Güzelbahçe. Study was conducted in two public schools and two private schools. We reached 549 students in this study. The dependent variable of study is obesity conditions determined according to BMI. The independent variables of study are socidemographic attributes, kind of school, food habits, physical activity status, watching TV and computer usage and frequences of food consumption. In research, a questionnaire was applied to student?s parents in relation with independent variables and applied to students in relation with the food consumption. Height and weight of students were measured and BMI was calculated. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. OR were calculated for factors that cause obesity.RESULT Prevalence of obesity was 20% in the study group. There is a significant higher obesity in boys than girls. Prevalence of obesity was significantly higher in high level of mother?s education. There is no significant relationship between school characteristics and eating habits and obesity. Majority parents of support this Project 95.9 % and most parents think that there will be a decrease in obesity due to this Project 89.1 %.3CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS In the study, higher education of mothers and higher monthly income is associated with obesity of children. Especially mothers can be given education about nutrition at home and healty food preparation. Physical activity in children should be increased.Key Words: Obesity, BMI, Primary Education, Eating Habits, Nutrition-Friendly School Project.