Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Childhood over nutrition is becoming an emerging nutritional problem
in low and middle-income countries like Ethiopia where a double burden of malnutrition
is attacking. Its effect is likely to progress into adulthood stages that result in developing
non-communicable diseases at a younger age. There is no previous study that
investigated the magnitude and associated factors of over nutrition among government
and private primary school students.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of over nutrition among
Government and private primary school students in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: Institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from
March 5 to April 9, 2019. A multistage sampling method was used to select 736
participants. Data was collected through interview technique and self-administered
questionnaire. Height and weight was measured. Data was entered into EPI info version
7.2.1.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable
logistic regressions were carried out to identify associated factors with over nutrition.
Statistical significance was declared using p-value< 0.05.
Results: The overall prevalence of over nutrition was 9.1%. The prevalence was higher
among private schools 51(14%) than government 16(4.3%). Eating habit while watching
television(AOR=4.08,95%CI:1.10-15.16) and not having close friend (AOR=3.72,
95%:CI:1.21-11.48) were significantly associated with over nutrition in the government
schools while no father education (AOR=2.59,95% :CI:1.05-6.39), sweet food
preference (AOR=2.86,95%:1.19-6.87), fat consumption more than three days per
week(AOR=3.79, 95%CI:1.61-8.91), eating habit while reading (AOR=4.95,95%CI:2.2910.70)
and
vigorous
intensity
sports(AOR=2.23,95%:1.02-4.86)for
private
schools.
Conclusions and recommendations: Prevalence of over nutrition was higher among
private than government schools. Hence; it requires attention through creating
awareness about healthy diet, healthy life style, and physical activity in collaboration
with health and education sectors.
Key words: Over nutrition, children, Primary school, Gondar, Ethiopia
