Assessment of Childhood Obesity and Overweight in Thai Children Grade 5-9 in BMA Bilingual Schools, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Childhood overweight and obesity has become an important public health problem in Thailand.  A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 250 students to assess the situation of obesity and overweight of Thai children attending grade levels 5-9 in BMA bilingual schools in Bangkok, Thailand. The data was collected by self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistic and logistic regression to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The independent variables were knowledge, attitude, and practice on diet and physical activity, body image, depression, anxiety, and peer pressure. The results indicated that children were 10.4% overweight and 8.4% obese. There were statistically significant associations between children’s diet practice (adjusted OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.946-6.103) and body image (adjusted OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.012-0.650) with childhood overweight and obesity. This indicates that policies should be implemented to improve the health-education program to signify the importance of dietary habits and physical activity. A much directive approach on the food-environment on the school’s compound and intervention should be directed not only on school children, but include the whole family are recommended.