Lifestyle Factors Linked to Childhood Obesity in South Asian Kids in Dubai
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Pandey Spriha, Agarwal Meenu
Primary Institution: Aster Jubilee Medical Center, Dubai, ARE
Hypothesis
Higher screen time and fast food intake would positively correlate with body mass index (BMI), while physical activity would show a negative correlation.
Conclusion
Children with a BMI of ≥85 percentile tend to have significantly higher daily screen time, and the association between fast food consumption and higher BMI was significant only under the IOTF criteria.
Supporting Evidence
- One-third of the children had a BMI of ≥85 percentile.
- Higher daily screen time is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.
- Frequent intake of fast food is associated with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity only as per the IOTF classification.
- Physical activity was not significantly different between the two groups.
Takeaway
Kids who watch more screens and eat fast food are more likely to be overweight. If they play outside more, they might stay healthier.
Methodology
The study used a non-probability convenience sampling method and included children aged 5-17 who visited a Dubai clinic.
Potential Biases
Self-reported measures of physical activity, screen time, and fast food consumption may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study is based on a small sample from a single clinic and did not explore genetic, perinatal, and socio-economic factors influencing children's weight.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 9.02 years, with 59.62% girls and 40.38% boys.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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