Socioeconomic factors associated with obesity in schoolchildren from Carapicuíba, SP, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic factors and overweight in children attending public schools in Carapicuíba, SP, Brazil. Material and Methods:The sample comprised 355 children (176 subjects 5years old, and 179 subjects 12years old), and the following variables were evaluated: sex, parental education, family income, number of rooms inthe household, and the number of people living in the household. Physical examination involved measurements of weight, height, and determination of the body mass index (BMI) to classify children into groups: severe underweight, underweight, normalweight, overweight and obesity. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests. Results:A prevalence of overweight and obesity of 26.7% and 10.8% in 5-year-old children, and 21.8% and 8.9% in 12-year-old children, respectively, was observed. The prevalence rates observed in 5-year-old children were lower than those of national surveys, whilethe rates observed among 12-year oldswerehigher. In the group of 5-year olds, the number of householdrooms of children with obesity was significantly higher than that of normal-weight (p=0.016) subjects. In the group of 12-year olds, BMI was positively correlated with maternal education (r=0.163, p=0.040).Conclusion: It is therefore concluded that socioeconomic factors were related with overweight and obesity in schoolchildren from Carapicuíba, SP, Brazil. This condition should be evaluated and addressed through public health policies and strategies in its multiple dimensions. DECRIPTORS Childhood Obesity.Socioeconomic Factors.Child.