Assessment of Nutrition of Obese Primary Schools Children in Urban and Rural Area in El Bihera Governorate- Egypt.

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing in both developed anddeveloping countries. Obesity is associated withincreased risks of many diseases. Obesity significantly affectsthe quality of life and reduces the average life expectancy.
 
Objective: Investigate effect of different environment urban and rural areas in El Bihera governorate on blood glucose level and obesity of childrenaged 6-12 years to know possible associated risk factors.  
 
Study design: This study of a representative sample of children 6-12 y of age performed during 1 July 2004 till 20 June 2005.
 
Methods: Anthropometric data were taken using standard methods, from 188 children. Certain diet and physical activities as well as other socioeconomic family parameters were assessed with the aid of a questionnaire. Obesity and overweight were defined using both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)I definition and the new International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) definition. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the influence of various parameters.
 
Results: obesity was prevalent among girls13.8 and 11.7% than boys12.7 and 13.8% in urban and ruler areas respectively. The high percentage of boys and girls in both urban and rural (78.0% and 84.2% respectively and 83.3% and 89.8% respectively), who take snacks in between meals. Also the results show that about three-quarter of the urban boys (70.7%) and more than half of rural boys (65.8 %) eating during T.V watching.The results show that about two-third (58.3%) of the urban girls and about three-quarter (67.3%) of the rural girls eating during T.V watching with significant differences only among the urban groups (P 0.020). on the other hand, the plasma glucose values of all cases (normal and obese) in urban and rural areas were significantly different. In boys and girls subjects in rural and urban areas there were no significant differences between the mean values of plasma TSH. However, a significant difference between the plasma TC of urban areas than that of rural areas at the same age group was detected. There was a significant difference for the mean values of plasma TC level between normal and obese groups in the rural site.
 
 Conclusion: The good news is that schools can help students and staff adopts healthy eating and physical activity behaviors that are the keys to preventing obesity.